Meaning-Making Forum #5

So What?

The course has made me step back and take a look at my interactions with others. This time working with the fictious Josh as well as completing the DISC assessment provided insight into my difficulties with reaching or connecting with some people and why I connect so easily with others. I am attempting to embrace Romans 15:7, “Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.”[footnoteRef:1] Who we are in Christ is as Pettit describes, it is a combination of image and identity and is how a person exhibits themselves to others.[footnoteRef:2] Nichols mentions, “…the Master knows what he’s doing. Sooner or later, the image takes shape.”[footnoteRef:3] These statements have made an impact on who I want to be in the church and how I want to represent myself. I am a servant at heart, the verse from Matthew 20:28 is where I lay my foundation. I look forward to the day I walk into heaven and hear Matthew 25:23. Being called by the Lord to preach was something I fought for many years. I never felt like I was ‘good’ enough to do the work the Lord was asking, I look at my past and wonder how He could even consider putting me in the pulpit. Then I realize how much I am different from the person I look back on, I see the changes that through the Lord I have been able to complete. I know my background, values, and beliefs can be used for understanding of the lost and people in need of Christ the most. [1: Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New American Standard Bible (La Habra, California: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1995). ] [2: Paul Petit, Foundations of Spiritual Formation, (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2018). ] [3: Ken Nichols, Masterpiece: Seeing yourself as God’s work of art changes everything!, (Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Press, 2017), p. 61.]

What’s Best Next?

I am hopeful to utilize the concepts and tools that were provided in this course to communicate with others both in aspects of sharing the glory of the Lord and with providing counseling when needed. I have encountered many people that are carrying the guilt of their baggage and do not feel they are deserving of God’s love and forgiveness, many times because they could not forgive themselves. I have been one of those people and understand the struggles of the mind that must be overcome. When trying to share the glory, peace, and mercy that comes with life with the Lord, it is met with anger, excuses, and fear. But as the Bible and Wheeler & Earley state, “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:5–6).[footnoteRef:4] One of my phrases I use a lot is, “If God will bring you to it, He will bring you through it.” Planting the seed, watering it and then harvesting the abundance of fruit after God has assisted with it flourishing, is the basics of the harvest principle.[footnoteRef:5] To develop a good values or philosophy whereby to build the foundation of the life with Christ begins with an understanding of terms. That in collaboration with my connections with other professionals both in medicine and mental health, I feel I have a great foundation to begin and move forward in the realm of counseling. [4: David Wheeler & Dave Earley, Everyday Evangelism, (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2016), p. 84. ] [5: Ibid. ]

Self-Care

Self-care is not selfish. Entering this new realm as a pastor and counselor can be rewarding and draining at the same time. With all the efforts to pour into another person it is important to take time and refill or restore yourself in order to be able to continue to pour into others. I am thankful to know and have confirmation from the assessments in this course that I can listen to and assist others through their challenges, but I do not take on their troubles and develop just enough connection with them to help. My one struggle with self-care is the time management aspect, I forego self-care due to my responsibilities. Between work, school, church, and life obligations there is little time left for decompression, especially as of late. I am actively scheduling time in my schedule for down time activities in order to avoid overload and burn out.

Safe and Secure Relationship

Unfortunately, in todays world one cannot be too careful when working with others, especially if working with someone alone or in a private setting. When volunteering for children’s camps during the summer, I have to complete a course regarding appropriate and inappropriate relationships with children. The most important take away is to be cautious of the interactions and the responses of the other person toward you. Ensuring that the environment in which you interact protects both yourself and the other person is of great importance.

Future Training

References

Nichols, Ken. Masterpiece: Seeing yourself as God’s work of art change Everything! Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Press, 2017.

Petit, Paul. Foundations of Spiritual Formation. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2016.

Wheeler, David & Earley, Dave. Everyday Evangelism. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2016.

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