What Do You Look For?
By Colleen Swindoll Thompson
Noise can distract us from the voice of the Spirit, but God often speaks in the silence. In a rare moment recently, my house was quiet. So I chose to sit and carefully observe the room I was in, and a number of emotions flooded my soul.
My daughter’s art supplies rested by her canvas along with her iPod, Netbook, and jacket. I thought of our past and recognized that I hadn’t shown her enough grace. I felt impressed that I needed to ask her for forgiveness. My older son’s shoes rested by the back door because he is responsible for feeding the dogs and cleaning up after them. I had focused on his “being responsible,” but I hadn’t told him in a long time that I appreciated him. I saw my husband’s lunch bag, and it reminded me of his consistent work and provision. I noticed my younger son’s tattered backpack, which represented how hard he worked—in spite of a disability—to do what comes naturally for others. Finally, my stepson’s iPod reminded me how he reaches into my world with music we both enjoy.
I felt convicted because I didn’t recognize what God calls us to pursue: grace, forgiveness, love, affirmation, gentleness, mercy, and tenderness. I was reminded of a song I had recently heard that spoke to me. I ask you to find a quiet spot and reflect on what you look for and expect in others.
‘Cause there’s so much good in the worst of us
So much bad in the best of us
It never makes sense for any of us
To criticize the rest of us
We’ll just find what we’re looking for
We’ll find it and so much more.1
Lord, thank You for Your grace and Your merciful convictions that remind us to focus on grace and truth. May we become seekers of quiet moments and allow You to speak to and shape our lives. I ask You to remind me to follow Your ways. In Christ alone I pray, amen.
About the author
Colleen Swindoll Thompson
Colleen Swindoll Thompson holds a bachelor of arts degree in Communication from Trinity International University as well as minors in psychology and education. Colleen serves as the director of Reframing Ministries at Insight for Living Ministries. From the personal challenges of raising a child with disabilities (her son Jonathan), Colleen offers help, hope, and a good dose of humor through speaking, writing, and counseling those affected by disability. Colleen and her husband, Toban, have five children and reside in Frisco, Texas.
