Monday, July 07, 2003
Wow. A long weekend it was, and it's not over yet. Michelle knew we'd be pretty busy, so she wisely took today off work to rest up before going back to work. We hung out with family and friends a lot, went to another summer wedding (3 down, 1 to go), and did a little bit of work around the homestead.
I've decided that this week I'm going to spend time mostly away from home. Recently I haven't been out and about where the people are quite as much, so I'll do that. I'm hoping to have some conversations with some folks about the kingdom. I want these conversations to develop organically, and yet I know I alread have an agenda. That's a tricky balance, isn't it? Wanting things to move where they will as you talk, and yet having an intention for the direction (which has echoes of manipulation and/or control). How does one keep his or her heart pure? My thoughts would be along two lines. First, reliance on the Spirit of God - the one who wants the conversation to be about the kingdom more than we do. Second, a selfless love for other people (in particular the one you're in conversation with right now) - the kind of love that will see the deeper kingdom desires in all people and want to share something of value that will bring them closer to satisfying their desires. That's my input - what's yours?
