ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 26, 2024
On Monday morning, rather early, I received a call from my neurologist’s office. A week earlier, I had an MRI, something they want me to do at least once a year because of my M.S., though I usually resist the frequency they want. I answered the phone, and the nurse said, “Do you have a few minutes to talk about your results?” Her tone was pretty ominous, and I must confess that I was pretty nervous in the moment. When I responded, “Yes, I have some time right now.” Her voice immediately perked up, and she said, “Everything looks great. No changes!” And that was the extent of our conversation. The words we choose and the tone communicate more than we sometimes know. I was expecting the worst, when in fact, it was what I was hoping… and sort of expecting. Now, no one is ever going to be perfect when it comes to how s/he is perceived. There are times when it has nothing to do with us and everything to do with the person who is doing the perceiving, but at the end of the day, it is really quite important for us to be mindful. The Proverbs can be sort of extreme in their dichotomy, but in 17:22, we read: “A joyful heart helps healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” What we present, and how we present it, has an impact on the world around us. I’m not suggesting we put forth a fake front, but awareness is important.
Help me, Eternal Spirit, to be cognizant of how I present myself—my tone, facial expression, and the language I use. I never want my disposition to be a hindrance to the sharing of your Good News. Amen.
