Note-Passing

If you were to meet me in person, you might find me to be quiet. If we were to go out to lunch, I most likely would ask a few questions, and then sit back and listen. I’m a listener by nature. In fact, there are few people with whom I can truly share my heart with . . . verbally. Of course, I have no problem sharing my heart and soul in print!

When it comes to the written word, I get to mess around until I’m sure I will not be misunderstood. Every word I write forces me to choose one word over the other. (To prove my point, I even rewrote that last sentence three times!)

You see, even on things like blogs my mind is always at work as I decide how to start, what information to include, and how to end this thing so my readers will consider their visit worth their time. With millions of blogs, books, magazines, what (I ask myself) would make my blog worth visiting?

Of course, I also find myself turning to the written word other times which don’t involve public readers–just ask my husband and my friends. For every major conflict I’ve been in the midst of, I guarantee I’ve poured my heart out on paper rather than using my voice. Again . . . I want to make sure I’m understood. I don’t trust myself enough to “just talk.” After all, what if I say the wrong thing at the wrong time and make matters worse?

I have a dear friend who is just the opposite. She is more confortable speaking in front of a group than sitting and considering (and reconsidering) her words at the computer. As we were talking about it one day, she told me that when she stands up to speak she has confidence that God, through His Spirit, will do His work. She just has to open her mouth, trusting Him.

I feel the same way when I sit down at my computer. I’ve felt God work through my written words time and time again. There is no pride there, only a realization that THIS is where God meets me.

Does my friend have more faith because she can trust God to speak through her open mouth? Or do I have more faith because I have confidence He will work through me as I sit in front of my computer?

No, don’t think it’s a matter of faith or lack there of. Instead, I feel God has designed each of us to fulfill His purposes, in order to build the body of Christ and give God glory. And through me, He does this best as I listen and absorb. And then . . . as I sit down at my keyboard a type like a mad woman.

What about you? Are you more comfortable speaking or writing? Most importantly, how do you feel God works best through you?