This is our last week to study Caring without Wearing and this lesson gives us an opportunity to reflect on Carol’s teaching and to decide how we want to incorporate her wisdom into our lives. While each question is important, I’d like us to take time to share our responses to questions 4-12. You don’t have to comment on each of those, but what stands out to you from this set of questions?What do you take away from the case study about Jim and the one found in Numbers 11: 10-23?
As we close our time of study together, which of the goals on pages 72-73 do you chose to pursue?
One last comment—How does this study impact your life, your choices, your ministry?
Thank you for studying this book with me. I’m very thankful for God’s ability to love the world through us while also loving and caring for us. May we practice caring without wearing.
Editor's Note: Have a great holiday season as you bring "joy to the world"! Join us back here on January 10 when Linda begins the New Year with a new book: In the Presence of My Enemies, by Gracia Burnham. It's the true story of a couple serving cross-culturally who are kidnapped by Filippino rebels. (See sidebar for ordering the book at a discount!)
2 comments:
It is good to read Numbers 11.
I do love the honest dialogue that Moses has with God... and God, while speaking truth about Himself, doesn't rebuke him. He answers him and gives him the answer for the people. I like that I can be honest with God... ask Him... what's up with this situation, or why are You allowing this or that?
I also really appreciate that God shows up... He tells Moses to gather the men and then He shows up. We can't help others without His Spirit and Him showing up!! That is for sure... and we need others along side us that also have His Spirit leading. What a good reminder.
This chapter, and the example of Jim, was a good reminder that I don't have to carry it all. The burden may truly just be too much for me. God will provide others and sometimes, often times, I need to just step aside and let Him work. ...let God provide in His own way.
I have really appreciated the wisdom and insight in this book.
I do apologize for lagging in my comment posting--- but I have joined you the whole way in reading! Thank you!
It has been great for me to read and study this book and to do it with you has been such a blessing to me. Thank you for sharing this study with me! Your insights and comments have greatly enriched the insights and teachings Carol gave to each of us.
When I reflect on these questions, I’m awestruck by God’s awareness of Moses’s need even before Moses. In the Message, Moses says, “If this is how you intend to treat me, do me a favor and kill me. I’ve seen enough. I’ve had enough. Let me out of here.”
I’ve been in that place–a place where I just want to magically leave. I’m not there right now–but I can identify with the emotions Moses is feeling. And I love God’s response. He acts–he doesn’t judge or condemn Moses–just the people who are driving Moses nuts. He has a solution for Moses and a lesson for the people. This teaches me that when I’m pushed to the brink, I need to trust God for the help I need and for His work to accomplish His purposes in the lives of the people who may be wearing me out….
The goal I chose is to learn more about active listening. I have plenty of opportunities to practice this skill–I hope I will take advantage of them!
I’m taking many things with me as we leave this study. It has helped me be a better listener to my mom and not a fixer. I need to keep growing in this. It has also helped me in my work and friendships to be a better listener. And, I’m more motivated than ever to practice balance in my life–and to feel good about finding that balance instead of guilt because I took time for myself. I’m realizing at a deeper level the need to take care of myself so I can better serve our God and those He brings into my life. Practically that means quiet time, exercise, good food preparation time. This requires more time–I have to be disciplined in making this time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as I finish writing this last entry. I love and cherish you!
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