We're All In This Together by Chase Butler
http://www.identitynetwork.net/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=226432&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
By Chase Butler
Have you ever met someone you immediately had a meaningful connection with? What about a whole group of people? I was reminded last week that a little bit of vulnerability can turn complete strangers into good friends.
"In my walks, every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that I learn from him."- Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Have you ever met someone you immediately had a meaningful connection with? What about a whole group of people? I was reminded last week that a little bit of vulnerability can turn complete strangers into good friends.
"In my walks, every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that I learn from him."- Ralph Waldo Emerson
When every person you meet isn't a problem to avoid or fix, judge or categorize, they can become your teacher. And when you put several of these people in the same room, it's even more powerful. I think that's what happened to me last week.
You realize the old phrase, "Be kind to every person you meet, for they're fighting a battle you know nothing about," is always true. No one is going through this life without some bumps and bruises.
We need each other, and sometimes it's a stranger from the other side of the country that has the word of encouragement you need. It kinda makes you want to stop every person you walk by, right?
When you are able to sit and listen, with an open posture, to see "the image of God in me greeting the image of God in you," you unlock what I believe we were truly made for in this life—relationship, a pure flow in this divine dance.
Chase Butler
http://www.identitynetwork.net/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=234074&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
There seems to be a recurring topic that continues to come up in my life—the balance between contentment and goals. Do I appreciate what I have, and am I working towards something meaningful that forces me to grow? An either/or approach never works. On one hand, you lend yourself to apathy and stagnation. On the other, you live under the tyranny of nothing ever being enough, endless striving that costs you something you never intended. I don't pretend to have this figured out. Every once in a while, I sense the alignment between the two within myself, but it's normally a fleeting moment followed by the pendulum tipping back towards one side.
http://www.identitynetwork.net/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=233123&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
There are moments when I long for an answer, clarity, inspiration, relief, or hope and receive nothing. Even in earnest seeking, eager anticipation, a proper posture, an open heart, a willing spirit—nothing. Then there are moments when I receive an answer, clarity, inspiration, relief, and hope when I least expect it. Not seeking, not anticipating, yet a glimpse is given. So what to conclude?
http://www.identitynetwork.net/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=231499&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
If the idea of selling everything and living out of a backpack on the road sounds like a nightmare instead of a grand adventure, this post might not be for you. If challenging the status quo and questioning societal norms in the pursuit of a full and satisfying life sounds intriguing, then let's continue. The beauty of friendship is that conversations tend to draw out aspects of yourself that otherwise would have been left untouched and dormant, or at the very least overlooked or ignored.