Piecing Together

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. – (Romans 12:4-5, NIV)

Each one of us has one body, and that body has many parts. These parts don’t all do the same thing. In the same way, we are many people. But in Christ we are all one body. We are the parts of that body, and each part belongs to all the others. – (Romans 12:4-5, ERV)

In the human body there are many parts and organs, each with a unique function. And so it is in the body of Christ. For though we are many, we’ve all been mingled into one body in Christ. This means that we are all vitally joined to one another, with each contributing to the others.

As we prepare to welcome kids back to school in person, a huge focus on the forefront of everyone’s minds is to find ways to make connections and help kids engage and feel safe and welcome in our school and classroom communities. God created us for community. If we were not made to be with others and work together, we would all be experts and self-sufficient. Instead, He gifted us each with unique skills, talents and strengths that we have to offer the community that we are placed within. Just as a school would not work without staff with different strengths, a classroom is no different. Our task and challenge is to find ways to help kids see their unique values and strengths, and help them realize how important they are to the class as a whole. It is my hope and prayer that each student and staff member is able to see the value in others and in themselves, as we rejoin to meet in person after so much time apart. May we seek the Lord to show us ways to both participate and facilitate best in building community together.

Though we are many,

Together we’re one;

United purpose,

As each day’s begun.

Show us the pieces,

And how we each fit;

Together in strength,

Let our hearts be knit.

The unique colors,

Sizes and the shapes;

When fit together,

Each piece has a place.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have created us for community. Thank You that we have different strengths to offer, and each of us has a place and purpose in the communities to which we are placed. Forgive us for not seeing the beauty and blessing held in each member. Teach us to recognize and encourage the unique blessing found in each individual, and show us how the best way to help the parts work as a whole. Lead us to love and value everyone the way that You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the part that each of us plays in the communities in which we have been placed. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. – Proverbs 20:5

Listen and Follow As We Are Known

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. – (John 10:27)

 

When we listen to the Lord, we come to know and understand that we are known by Him. There is nothing quite so powerful to propel us to follow our Heavenly Father, as His love for us, individually. Just as a child will follow their parent and listen for their leading when they feel safe and loved, so too, can we trust and obey what our loving Lord asks of us. He leads us to places that we never thought that we would go, for purposes we never dreamed we might serve. However, that being said, all things are ultimately used for His glory, and He uses everything for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. It is well worth it to listen and follow the Lord, for we are known and loved, and will be lead into the place that He has prepared for us forever. May we listen well for His voice, and follow Him wherever He may lead; for each one of us is fully known by God.

 

We are the sheep,

that the Lord has named;

we’ll hear His voice,

as truth is proclaimed.

For we are known,

by the Lord on high;

Who loves and leads,

and hears our heart’s cry.

We must follow,

where He calls us to;

He has purpose,

for all we go through.

He’ll take the bad,

and use it for good;

to help others,

His grace understood.

May we each know,

as we are well known;

how much we’re loved,

through all Christ has shown.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can listen for Your voice and hear what You have to say to each of us. Thank You that You speak to us through Your word, through prayer, through worship, through people, through pictures, with Your still small voice within; thank You that You are not limited in how You can speak if we are only willing to listen. Thank You that You know us each intimately, as You alone knit us together in our mothers’ wombs. Thank You that You grant us the capacity to follow You, when we give You our hearts and our lives. Forgive us for straying from the path on which You have placed us, or for fearing forward momentum in the direction that we have been called. Teach us to trust You completely, as we are so completely known and protected by You. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they too may come to know Your voice and the light that comes from a life invested in You. Be glorified O God, as we listen to You and follow what You ask, because we are fully known. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Father, I thank You that You have heard me. – John 11:41