Do you ever feel the need to get back to basics?
Our Saviour walked this earth, living a remarkably simple life. He had no cell phone, voicemail, call forwarding, computer, cable television, satellite radio or social media accounts. As far as we know, He dressed quite plainly in a robe and sandals. He had no pillow for His head and no earthly mansion to call His own. His personal possessions were likely carried in a sack. This makes me a little embarrassed about my closet. There is much freedom to be gained by simplifying or getting back to basics.
Jesus was never distracted, whether He was interacting with the masses or having deep, meaningful one-on-one conversations. When Jesus listened, He was fully attentive. I imagine He looked people in the eye and engaged with His whole being. He would make eye contact and often reach out with a gentle touch.
How refreshing it is to read the Gospel accounts and see how our Lord fully connected with people from all levels of society.
Jesus asked great questions to draw people out so they could voice their inner needs. It is the greatest example we should strive to emulate. Get back to the basics … have healthy conversations and remember to ask good questions!
It is a pet peeve of mine when people check their texts or e-mails when conversing with me. The same goes for call-waiting. Can anything make you feel more insignificant than when you are sharing a deep personal heartache with someone and they switch over to an incoming call? Is that what progress is all about? I know there are exceptions to what I am voicing, and grace always needs to be at the forefront of our minds.
There are days when I miss an important tidbit of news because it was sent by email. I enjoy times when I'm disconnected from all technology and get back to basics, like writing in cursive in my journal. I’m often scolded when I don’t have my cell phone within arm's reach. Imagine! How did we ever survive without them? (apologies for my tongue-in-cheek).
I was having a conversation with a youth pastor about the need to “Be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46:10a). How challenging this concept seems today. The pastor said that young people are rarely exposed to the sound of silence. He added that many young people often fall asleep with something playing through their earbuds.
How can we hear God or each other if we are constantly bombarded by outside interference? I guess it goes back to choosing to become disciplined in the basic art of listening. That applies to how we listen to God and to each other. It might be a promising idea to mute the noise around us and get back to basics.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.