One of the greatest gifts that has come to me over the years is often void of a price tag—at least not one calculated in dollars and cents. It may have cost the giver greatly because such a gift usually issues forth from a place of deep understanding often brought about through great suffering.
The gift?
Wisdom through words.
I’ve lived long enough with humanity and bared my soul openly enough therein to realize that not everyone within earshot harbors the gift of wisdom. A rare few possess its strength. I’ve developed some filters along these lines, carefully gauging my pursuit for depth of insight. I’m not quick to trust others with the “answers” I seek. That, in itself, has been a painful lesson to learn, for not everyone I’ve consulted along the way has my best interest in mind. Good intentions, perhaps, but not intention based on the absolute truth of the absolute God.
Thus, before consulting others for advice, I’ve learned to bring my concerns to the Father. He always has my best interest in mind. Accordingly, he has selectively allowed a few individuals to intersect my life with their Godly wisdom and influence. These are the people I trust with my heart… my best interest. Some of them I know personally; some of them I will never meet. Some have preceded me in death; some are currently living but not circulating within my physical realm of contact. All of them, however, share a common thread.
Wisdom through words.
Perhaps more than any other mode of “influence” that works in and through me and, therefore, eventually out of me is wisdom given to me in the form of words. A simple phrase woven with integrity and depth enough to solidify a change of heart—a new way of viewing life, doing life. When my personal perspective shifts in an alternate direction—a right and good direction (and I can almost feel it happening in real time as if a switch is being manipulated)—peace and assurance quickly find their way to my spirit. I am grateful for words that change me, and the more intentional I am about finding them, the more intentional they become about finding me.
I found some words not long ago; in turn, they’ve been working their way in me and through me, and hopefully out of me in some small measure. They came to me via one of my favorite authors, Alicia Chole. Her recent devotional book, Intimate Conversations, is chock-full of devotional pause and contemplative thought (two of my favorite pastimes). In one of her devotions entitled “Near Not Far,” she shares regarding some personal wisdom that arrived in her own heart at a leadership conference through the speaker, Dr. George O. Wood. His advice?
“Focus your vision on what is small not big; what is near not far.” [Alicia Chole, Intimate Conversations (Grand Rapids: Revell, 2009), 150.]
Read those words again slowly to absorb the depth of what God might be saying to you through them.
For Alicia, and for me, it means personally tending to those things, those people, who are within reach. Those activities and lives that can be physically touched by our immediate influence. It sounds relatively simple, “matter of fact” and, perhaps, an obvious approach to daily living. However, the true fact of the matter is that most of us don’t live there, don’t tend to the dailyness of our lives. Most of us live abroad—out there and unaware of the importance behind our everyday “things” and everyday people.
I can only write that last statement because I’ve lived that last statement. Time and again, my focus strays outward believing that the important “stuff” resides somewhere beyond the four walls and the small life that belongs to me. I’ve been a dismal failure in these regards in many seasons of my life. I’ve allowed the lure of “otherness” to rob me of the tangible moments that can best receive my influence—my wisdom and understanding. Otherness is just that. Other things, other people, other ministries, other opportunities that belong to others; not me.
That doesn’t mean I don’t engage with “otherness” when otherness presents itself as an option; it simply and profoundly means that otherness isn’t the driving focus behind my dailyness. Rather, current living, current situations, current people are. They are the stuff of my “small and near”—the tangible touches within reach intended for my greatest investment. When I take the time to devote myself to the “small and near,” then seeds are planted for a future gain that harvests “big and far.” I may not be around to see it all come to fruition, but my seeing it isn’t my goal.
Seeding it is. Doing the work of the kingdom, believing that what is sown today in the “small and near” matters for all of eternity.
It’s taken me a long season to get there… to come to a place of accepting the routine of my life that seemingly proffers more in the “small” rather than the “large.” But through the wisdom of others and the power of God’s Spirit living within me, I am moving closer toward accepting what my life has to offer me. And the last time I checked in with my life, it wasn’t half bad. In fact, it is quite good. Very good.
Wisdom through words.
How thankful I am for those who write them and who live them all the more.
May God continue to invest the power of wise words, his and others’, into our lives as we are faithful in our intentions to seek them out. Have a blessed weekend ministering to your “small and near,” friends. I’ll see you on the other side of mine. As always…
peace for the journey,
~elaine
PS: Hear a bit of Alicia’s heart regarding Intimate Conversations, and leave a comment regarding your “small and near” for an opportunity to win a copy of the book.
I'd love a chance to win the Alicia Britt Chole book. I loved her book, "Anonymous"….
Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the "what's on the horizon" and miss the "what's in today"… I had heard some teaching that encourage you to find that one thing inside you that God made you to do and go and do that. The one thing became the focus. It wasn't in my present so I began to watch for it in my "on the horizon"… I lost sight of what was right in front of me. Having a ministry became my focus.
It's funny, I wrote about what God has been showing me about all this on my blog this past weekend.
It's been a while since I've been here for a visit. I've not done as much blog visiting as of late.
I've enjoyed my time here today.
Blessings!
Elaine:
WOW! Words of wisdom indeed. Thank you for giving me so much to think about. The video of Alicia and inimate conversations was awesome. I had to watch it twice.
That is where I have been the last few months trying to carve out my time for intimacy with God instead of loving God in the "gloriouly messy minutes" of life.
Searching for the Big and Far and instead of focusing on the "small and near".
So grateful for the spritual nourishment today.
Blessings,
Marita
Elaine,
I've truly never thought about the investing in the small and near rather than the big and far. I've really only thought about the investing portion in and of itself!
However, I do love my here and now, my small and near and want to love God in all the gloriously messy places in and around my life.
And Elaine, my life is quite good, too! Very, very good! 🙂
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
I've been seeking God for an answer to my future, and I think I found it here. Two ministries to choose between, what on earth to do. But now I see these two choices in a new light…one opportunity is big and overwhelms me, and the other is small, close to home, and brings me joy.
Thanks Elaine, you have no idea how much this post has blessed me…
This does sound like a good devotional. I find myself going to the Lord and scripture for wisdom more than people lately. I'm not sure why except that I've had too much questionable advice the past few weeks from well-meaning Christians.
Sounds like a great read, smack full of wisdom.
Beautiful thoughts my friend. When I think even about my immediate surroundings (my family) and how neglected they sometimes get in my busyness. What good does it to be a "light" for others, having a servant's heart for the needy, when my own children never see that side of me too. When I was reading your post, that is where my convictions lie. Thank you for sharing…
Oh, I need to read this book…small and near…those "things" very dear…
This statement also hit a cord with me…"I am grateful for words that change me, and the more intentional I am about finding them, the more intentional they become about finding me."
Wonderful words of wisdom….
This, too, has been on my mind lately. In fact, I read a post by Natalie Witcher – a chapter of a Christmas story she authored – that speaks to the influence we have through future generations because we were faithful to the "small and near" instead of the "big and far". You might enjoy reading it at http://nataliewitcher.blogspot.com/2009/12/chapter-three-beads.html
I actually was in tears by the time I finished reading as it spoke so to my heart.
Now, here you are putting the finishing touches on what God has been speaking to my heart!
Thank you, again, for the eloquence of your words!
Love you my friend,
Debbie
I older I get the more I understand why my mother loved life. She was that person who lived the "small and near" life.
I had the privilege to meeting Alicia Chole at our Womens Convention…love her writing.
love and hugs~Tammy
Thank you for your prayers!
Elaine this is SO packed full of wise words…thank you today for allowing God to speak through you right to a place in my heart that was needing this! I am encouraged to be in constant check of my focus, the near is very dear to my heart…and what do I want the near to know that Jesus and I love them greatly…thanks for this amazing encouragement…its a great start for the weekend!
Coincidence?? I think not….it's all God's timing. Tuesday night in the pouring rain, another mom and I delivered a meal–SMALL–to a church member who just had baby number 5. They only live 8 miles from my house–NEAR. I was so shocked by their living conditions. Oh, Elaine! I held it in until I got back home, and I cried as I told Craig. It has been in the back of my mind since then. What does God want me to do? I am praying and listening for His response–partially through your blog post. Oh…I love you girl!
Thank you.
Hugs!
Susan
**Tell Preacher Billy that he can send in one of HIS yummy recipes for my blog!!! And, if I don't win that book, I'm going to buy it soon. Wow! Thanks, chickadee!
If you've learned that as a 40-something, you're way out front of most of us! It took me many, many years to get acquainted with living so intentionally; and to learn where to dial in my focus.
Indeed, it is from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (and writes). May ours be filled to overflowing with a wisdom reservoir there!
President of Your Fan Club
Once again I am just blown away at your words! God just speaks so powerfully through you and I thank you for your obedience to Him.
I need to get this book now!
Love to you my friend.
God brought me here to read this just before I was about to shut down the computer for the night.
You see – this Sunday night my Bible study is reaching out to the community – we are inviting strangers to a banquet meal that we are preparing her at Shepherd's Walk.
This "near and far" quote that you wrote about spoke so much about what we are attempting to do – be Jesus' Hands and feet with a towel in our hands – and a spoon – to feed those who may not feel welcomed anywhere else. We ivited strangers – people off the street – grocery store checkers….etc.
What hit me so much about your quote is that it's not about numbers. The success of this night coming – will not be about how MANY people came… it will be about who God brought and cared for that night – who was made to feel special – who was ministered to. Perhaps it will be a small intimate group – with only ONE person whose heart will change toward God. We are only "cultivating relationships" in this attempt – not jamming the gospel down their throats with words – but with food, and love, and JOY!
This is what is right in front of me – the "near not far"! I will focus on this task now – allowing and praying for God to do HIS kingdom work in all of it!
You have blessed me with this reminder.
I'd love a copy of the book – but this quote [and your entire wisdom-filled post] was enough to get my focus where it needs to be.
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
I may have already shared my "small and near" story with you…forgive me if you've heard it before!
When the boys were young, I was actively involved in just about every bible study group, singing group, PTA, etc. I was homeroom mother (for both boys' classrooms)…BUT, I was never home. I stayed so busy with everything – all good things – but they were taking me away from what God called me to be…a wife and mother. First, and foremost.
Never before had I felt God speaking so strongly to my heart about anything. But, He said it to me – and I heard Him, loud and clear!
I gave up a lot of the groups. I even gave up a couple of bible studies. I'm still involved in outside activities, but since that lesson from God, I've never lost sight of the "small and near" in my life.
Hugs,
Beth
A good reminder, Elaine, not to neglect our small and near in our pursuit of the big and far. Sometimes God does give us a vision or calls us to the big and far — I guess that's when a careful balance is needed as we keep both in sight and mind…
I appreciate all the words of wisdom you share sweetie.
Coming back here today I realize how much I have missed you and the words God lays on your heart. Your spiritual wisdom I cherish, your influence God-sent. I am not a bit surprised that Alicia Britt Chole has again caught your attention. The last book you had me read from her was amazing, this one has to be too…like you my freind.
Blessing in this CHRISTmas season!!
(I'll come back to view the vodeo, it won't open here at work-the hospital blocks it. Grief).
Love you!! Pam
this was a wonderful post. For me it has been to leave room to breathe so I can live the "near" with God as intimately as I can, with my dear family who simply amaze me that they let me use my butterfly wings to soar, and to realize that small is ok…because it is what God asked me to do in the first place.
blessings
Tammy
God always uses our gifts, that is different in each of us, to grow us, and teach His plan big or small. The most content people I know are those who, through their gifts, live out each day. Blessings Girlfriend!!!
It's SO true! If each of us took care of our "small and near" the large and far would be hugely impacted.
(Today my small and near consisted of delivering a pan of lasagna and salad to a busy woman who had responsibilities in a community Christmas program today.)
I appreciated seeing Alicia on the video clip and would LOVE to "win" her book!
Yes, how I desire edification… wisdom given in love that I might become more like Christ. And how few are bold enough to offer it. To challenge me. Thank God for those who do!
My small is partly related to my blog. Knowing that God is more interested in the one than the many… and not to stop because I can't help the many… because God is in love with each one.
Love you!
'I am grateful for words that change me, and the more intentional I am about finding them, the more intentional they become about finding me.'
Wow. Amen, amen. Elaine, I can always find words of wisdom HERE.
I have truly enjoyed Anonymous – thank you so much for sending it to me. (Sometimes I wonder why you felt led to send it to me.)
Currently my "biggest" small and nears are my little girls – caring for them. Particularly caring for Rhema – it seems I have to do everything for her and the simplest tasks are anyhting but simple… I get tired. But I know God has give me this and I want to be faithful to it, serving her through serving Him in love.
This post alone was so full of wisdom. It was beautifully written and touched my heart.
I just found your blog and I'm looking forward to reading more.
Have a great Lord's Day!
This post rings bittersweet to me. I know it's truth. Yet, in the realization, I also know I'm a "far" and not a "near" friend. I'm not within physical reach. I am still blessed to be included in your "otherness" and so thankful for the times when our lives intersect whether through the avenue of the Internet or via phone.
Elaine, God has stirred in my heart the memory of these posts that I wrote over a year ago now. Wondering how obedient I am still being to His call. (September 20, 2008 – both blogs)
I'm feeling right now that come December 31st, I will be taking a sabbatical here. Needing to refocus and return to family. Your writing today has prompted my thoughts. Thank you as always.
Love ya,
Joy
Focus your vision on what is small not big…
Oh my! I'm not going to attempt to address it here, but our pastor spoke of the small things this morning…
You know how something just keeps sticking itself in your face!!! Sure gets your attention…and a 'what are You trying to say to me, God?'
That was very powerfully said. What a great way to express wisdom through words. Amen.
I have got the hang of it and I am running with it.
Simple, less ornate, ceiling light fixtures can be chosen in office type spaces.
You can choose fans made from less expensive materials but they will tarnish easily and they are
not fit for outdoor use.