Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, October 29, 2023
We all have vampires in our lives. Vampires are the individuals who drain the energy out of us. It could be grown children. Or a needy parent. It could be an annoying co-worker. Or a nosey neighbor. It could be a drama-queen friend. Or a drive-you-crazy relative. We all have people who make loving difficult.
And here is the thing: they don't do it intentionally. I don't think that annoying aunt sets out to be annoying. The nosey neighbor doesn't wake up and say I am going to go around the neighborhood bothering all my neighbors so they will cringe when they see me coming. The obnoxious co-worker doesn't decide on the drive into work that she will smack her gum loudly, scream on the phone, or stir the drama pot at work to make everyone around not like her. They are not trying to make our lives miserable.
They just are not thinking about it. If they are not thinking about it, how much more do we not think about it in our lives? Do you ever stop and ask yourself, "Are my actions damaging to this relationship?"
It is easy to point fingers. It's not hard to recognize the ugly in others. It's easy to notice all that is wrong with another person.
Loving the people who drain the life out of us starts with recognizing our tendency to be life-draining.
Jesus warns, "Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye but not notice the log in your eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,' when you do not see the log in your eye?" You hypocrite, first take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye" (Matthew 7: 3 - 5).
Before talking about all that is wrong with the other person, we need to take a hard look at ourselves. Before pulling apart everything the other person does that makes this relationship difficult, we need to examine ourselves.
Recognizing the life drain on relationships starts with admitting that I might be the vampire in this relationship.
Jamey
Let's Talk About Cultivating Commuity
(Together, What If is a conversation between Michelle Alexander, Ginnie Highsmith, and Jamey Prickett from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia.)
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Weekly Prayer
Lord, remind us daily that our strength comes not from the clay, but from the treasure within. May we not boast in our abilities, but in Your power that works within us. As cracks form and the world seeks to break us, may Your love pour out, touching all who are near. Amen!
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
Why shouldn't an angry witch take her broom trick or treating? She might fly off the handle!
Which type of pants do ghosts wear to trick or treat? Boo jeans!
Wisdom Nugget: What You Focus On, Grows. Direct your energy and attention to what you want to flourish in your life.
A Question to Consider: What am I learning?
Photo Taken By Me
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