A Time to Talk
This morning is one of those when I wish I could have a long chat with my mother. While I can have a conversation with her, her unclear mind prohibits the close talks we have always had over the years.
My mother has been my sounding board. I was usually able to figure things out when I would explain situations, concerns, problems, to her. Somehow, my mom always seemed to have the steady answer I needed, even if she didn’t totally understand the circumstances. I often found that in the process of explaining things to her, it would clarify my own thinking and help me find the path I needed.
I do have a wonderful friend who patiently listens to me. She and I can share concerns about things such as children and jobs and so on. While not the same type of sounding board as my mother, this friend, who knows me so well, frequently has the words I need to hear.
While this dear lady is an awesome friend, she does not live in the same location as I do. I have days when I long for a good in person chat with someone who understands me well and with whom I can share anything in a face-to-face conversation.
What do we do when there doesn’t seem to be someone available to hear our concerns, share our joys, and so on? The answer is Jesus.
That sounds so simple but it really isn’t for most of us. I have had a relationship with Jesus for a very long time yet there are many days when I feel like I haven’t really engaged in that connection as I should. While I know Jesus hears me and He cares about my well-being, I still do not share my heart totally with Him.
I pray – daily throughout the day. But are my prayers really what is needful? Too often they are asking for things such as strength for the day or a change in circumstances.
Things would be different if I viewed my conversations with Jesus as a way to build a relationship with Him. Jesus wants us to share everything with Him. While He wants to know our concerns and hurts, Jesus also wants to share in our joys and hopes and dreams.
When I look back at this past week, my prayers have been mainly focused on asking for safe travels to work. This is logical after having recently had an accident, but what kind of relationship am I building with Christ when this is the only focus of our conversations?
Perhaps it is a time for us to rethink our approach to Jesus. What if we shared our hearts with Him the way we would to a good friend? What if we had conversations with Him that include Him in what is going on in our lives? Yes, Jesus knows all about us, but He wants us to share with Him about what matters to us.
I have spoken a lot about praise and the benefits that brings to our lives. Yes, we need to include praise in our conversations with Jesus. He deserves that for all He has done for us. But to build a connection with Jesus requires more than just asking Him for things or thanking Him for things. It is going much deeper into what is going on in our lives and how we approach life.
As we read the Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus, one overarching theme is how Jesus met people right where they were at and how He drew them to Him. Jesus patiently listened to those who came to Him and showered them with love and patience.
One reason that makes both my mother and my friend good confidants is that they accept me for who I am. They listen without judging and love me through whatever life throws my way.
Jesus is so much more of a confidant. Talking with Him eases our troubled spirits, even if our trying circumstances do not change. We gain true peace when we open up our lives to Jesus and allow Him to minister to us. Jesus will be our mentor, advisor, and counsellor when we need it, if we are willing to accept that.
Wherever you are today, my friend, Jesus is right there waiting for you to include Him. I pray that you find ways to deepen and strengthen your relationship with Christ. Unlike our earthly dear ones, Jesus always has time to talk.
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