Journeying with the Resurrected Jesus

Journeying with the Resurrected Jesus Tuesday, April 25, 2023 “Truth-filled Tuesday”

For the second “Truth-filled Tuesday,” I want to build on Amy’s blog from yesterday, and how we can look positively at developing relationships with others.

I want to try to relate this to the walk to Emmaus when they were walking along with Jesus! Can you imagine the “truth-filled” conversations along that journey?!?! There may have been small talk among them, but I imagine the questions weren’t just “small talk” for sure!

“Truth is” I love to travel. I always have, and I think I always will. I even love spontaneous trips, and my life allows me to do that. Traveling with people you know is the BEST kind of fun because you may have similar interests, and chances are you have already made plans that you want to accomplish along and during the destination!

To be “truthful” and transparent, traveling with people you may not know very well can present challenges. The introductions, the small talk, the getting to know everyone……and I have taken trips with people I have not known very well. I have learned over the years that for me it is best to embrace the journey and LISTEN to what others’ strengths are. They may teach you something you have never thought about. They may teach you to “chill out” and try things a different way, and in my opinion, change can always be good. Learning and growing from others helps not only in your personal journey, but how you treat others along the way and in the future.

I believe this is what Jesus wants us to do: enjoy the journey, and accept others for who they are and embrace the entire destination!

Here are some things I feel help me be more open, honest, and “truthful” with myself as well as with others I may not know:

Genuine curiosity helps us develop empathy. Instead of judging others, we ask questions to understand where they are coming from. Being curious causes us to be more open to exposing ourselves to different ideas and cultures. This can increase our appreciation for life.

We can align our thoughts, motives and actions with the Word of God. It is OK to disagree with religious, ethical or political comments, decisions or outcomes; yet, we must choose to see people for who they are (image bearers of God) and make the decision to honor regardless of our differences.

Personal growth for your yourself as well as dealing with others requires motivation, the desire to improve, and the willingness to strive to make changes. You also need to be willing to get out of your comfort zone, and sometimes, do things that are uncomfortable, but are for your own good. An open mind and the desire to learn and grow are also important.

Leading with love means knowing and caring about what inspires and empowers people. It's about caring enough to know what is important to them and helping them succeed. Leading with love is the key to leadership success.

I watch a sermon on Thursday nights on FaceBook that is called “Old Testament Thursday.” I believe it was not a coincidence that Pastor Jack Norman spoke on these very things:

1. Celebrate what God is doing in the life of other people!

2. Be intentional when planting “seeds.”

3. Speak it until you see it! Your words matter!

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Jesus, thank you for journeying with us. Sometimes we don't recognize You, but we believe You are here. There are times when we are sad, disappointed, and even a little lost in this world, because the expectations of our humanity get in the way. When You make yourself very evident, though, our hearts burn within us. Will you help us to recognize that and trust it. Your presence can make us brave. Today, we commit ourselves to You. We want to be transformed by Your presence in our lives and Your power in our bodies. We belong to You, and that Truth makes us glad.