He used to believe the lie that great service was about being all things to all people, and doing it quickly — but not anymore. “When can you do it?” “I’ll let you know.” “Could you be there at 3 pm?” “No.” (Internal voice: “I don’t do appointments. I’m not a hairdresser!”) Now, reading this, … Continue reading The Lie!
Author: Distillations.blog
Mine!
I woke up to the duvet being pulled away and the cold air hitting me. I grabbed hold of the duvet and yanked it back from him with the kind of toy-grabbing determination of a four-year-old. I lay awake and pondered my forceful response to this small event—how many reactions are the result of “Mine!” … Continue reading Mine!
Weariness
Last night, I admitted to myself and to God that I am feeling weary. The words, “Fix your gaze on Him and not on your circumstances,” came to mind. Those circumstances include my partner being in hospital for, so far, seven days. Thinking about it all adds a layer of heaviness to the weariness. My … Continue reading Weariness
Prayer
I was watching a podcast recently where the preacher shared how she had attempted to take her own life twice, several years apart. In both situations, she found herself repeating, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” Incredibly and thankfully, on both occasions He brought her to safety. This story reminds me of the undeniable power in His name. … Continue reading Prayer
Loving Him Like My Cat
My cat doesn’t do anything other than be.Yet every day I pat him and say, “What a good boy.” My partner does far more.And yet he’s rarely told that he’s a good boy.Instead of patting him and telling him he is loved, I point out what needs to be done.Better. Right. Properly. While journaling, the … Continue reading Loving Him Like My Cat
Snagged
I was out walking when the path narrowed because of overgrowing blackberry bushes. I couldn’t take a step without being caught by their thorns. I had to keep stopping to carefully remove the barbs, doing my best to protect my skin and clothing from being torn and scratched. Lately, I have been reflecting on the … Continue reading Snagged
The cost of resistance
Holding a stance of resistance requires way more of me than doing the thing I’m resisting. And the cost – my peace! “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT Photo … Continue reading The cost of resistance
The Gift of Interest: Why It Matters
“I’m part of an anthology book project called ‘What is love’”. “Oh cool! Hey, guess what happened to me last week?” The disinterest is familiar, but I don’t let it catch or my disappointment show. Instead, I ask, “What happened”? Since that conversation, I’ve been reflecting on interest. Being interested. Receiving interest. It feels sparse … Continue reading The Gift of Interest: Why It Matters
Two Ears, One Mouth
I have set myself a “conversation” goal for 2025. Ask more questions. Say less. It's too easy after a little bit of listening to think I have enough information to give you all the answers. When a conversation repeats, despite my (self-assessed) fabulous advice, that’s a sign. What’s needed this time, is not the same … Continue reading Two Ears, One Mouth
Pronunciation
I live in a multi-cultural city. You probably do too. I have enormous respect for anyone who can speak more than one language. Those that tell me their “English is not so good”, I look at them and marvel. “I can understand you clearly. You are much cleverer than me. I can only speak English.” … Continue reading Pronunciation
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