So many words.

As I biked through the beautiful fall leaves, a piece of paper caught my eye. Picking up the dirt filled, torn page I tried to make out some form of plot as I read the torn paragraphs. The words rose off the page as I read, "You won't get a word out of me."

I let my mind visit the thought of 'words.'

Each letter. each word. each paragraph.

Words are powerful.
They are inspiring. truth filled. used for lies.
Words stir emotion. Silence a crowd.
Bring hearts together.
Words create meaning.
Words give knowledge. wisdom.

You can build others. You can tear them down. You can share. You can hide.
You can shed light. You can guide. You can lead.

One word.
Two words.
One-thousand words.

Use your words to create beauty. create meaning. create what you wish the world to be.

Words.

Be truth.

Dear car, please BACK UP.

“WOW! If he was riding any closer, I’d have a new bumper!”

“Are you kidding me…get off my back!” 

“BACK UP!” 

You ever scream one of these at the car behind you? 

This was my situation on the way to work. One slam on the brakes. That ford would have been in my trunk! At first, was more annoying, but it quickly turned into frustration, anxiety, and anger. 

Why does this car feel the need to be this close. 

Are they in a hurry? 

Do they have not have a bubble? 

My mind started racing with questions as my frustration grew. 

It all changed. My mind was instantly stripped of the frustration with a thought. 

What does it look like for others to be walking that closely to my life?

What do they see? How close are they? 

Are those God calls me to be Him, frustrating?  Needy? Messy? 

Do they push my buttons? 

A few years I had the opportunity to take a class called CORE through my church. 

Week 4: Dust: being a disciple of Jesus. 

During this week we were introduced to the history of Jewish Eduction. 

A Rabbi (a teacher) would find an apprentice. This apprentice would dive into the books or more formally was called the house of books. Next, the house of learning. After these two phases a Rabbi would ask them to study with them, follow them, and watch every aspect of their life. 

They would follow them close. So close, the dust of the rabbi would be found on the apprentice. 

WOW! 

First, do I follow Christ this close. Do others see the dust? 

Secondly, do I, do we allow others this close. 

Being intentional. 

Being available. 

Being willing to get messy. 

Being vulnerable. 

Being close. 

Do others see the dust? 

Do you allow others close. To teach. To build up. To encourage.