Central Truth

Living creatively is simple, but not easy.

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Reflections

Once again The Message Bible nails it for me and hits me in the gut at the same time. I am so thankful that Eugene Peterson’s granddaughter asked him why his direct Greek and Hebrew translation didn’t sound the same as her King James Bible. Please see the entire reference in The Message translation alongside several others:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%206:1-5&version=NKJV;NIV;NASB;MSG;TNIV.

Creative living isn’t easy. It requires thinking outside the box, feeling discomfort until we make an excellent choice rather than jumping to the easiest or our habitual choice. I have been doing that a lot lately – sitting with discomfort until I can see clearly what my choices are in a balanced way. I find forgivingly restoring others who fall into sin easier than forgiving myself.

Things have gotten tight since I chose to live on less in order to do what I love. This condition has forced me to set firmer boundaries with myself and my children. Specifically, saying no to things I habitually said yes to in order to spend less money. This passage not only talks about sharing burdens (which reminds me of recovery – I am not alone), but also taking responsibility for my own life (more difficult since my husband died two years ago). It has taken time for me to come out of denial. Things have had to get way too painful for me to set the firmer boundaries I needed. I am challenged to have the same grace for myself that I have for others.

So I come to the “make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given” part of the reading. That’s basically what I have been learning to do for the past 16 years in Alanon, and the last five years in CR. This keeps me “not impressed with myself,” “not comparing myself with others,” and “doing the creative best with my own life.”

As for the “sinking myself into that (work I’ve been given),” I hope you enjoy seeing God’s Word in our skylight. I so enjoyed lettering it, and every other Scripture God allows.

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Discussion Questions

1. If you see someone sinning (missing the mark), what’s your first reaction? Forgiveness or criticism?
2. What is the hardest thing for you to forgive others? For yourself?
3. Is there someone you need to forgivingly restore?
4. When you make mistakes, do you try to hide them? From yourself? From others?
5. Do you have someone in your life who knows the real you and loves you as you are -- besides Jesus? How important is that relationship to you?
6. Do you do that for others?

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