Every Sunday at 9:30a you will find me at the church that I have attended for over 11 years. My kids have grown up there. I have friends I would give my life for and would do the same for me. Although not perfect by any stretch, I do have a relationship with Jesus. But I’m a real human who fails continuously.
This past Sunday, my pastor, who is an amazing preacher … biblical, applicable, practical … he posed the question: ” How do I give honor? How do I add value?”
I take notes mainly because my mind wanders and I struggle with sitting still. If I could pace during church, that would be the best option but probably very distracting, I am sure. So I write. Notes. But the taking notes also helps me remember. And I’m a thinker and dwell on things. Self-examine.
How do I give honor? How do I add value?
I have been thinking for a few days of relationships, my relationships: my sons and their girls, my sister, my friends, with someone special, with co-workers, with strangers. How well do I show them honor? Do I add value with my presence and place in their life?
Honor defined is “high respect; great esteem” (google definition).
Value defined is “the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something” (google definition).
How do I give honor? Do I add value? The answer is the same for both, really. I’m practical. I want to apply in the daily what I learn. And I’m a do-er. I give honor and show value to others by being interested in others, celebrating their victories, actively listening, bringing a smile to their face, cheering for them, treating them with respect in the way that I act towards them and talk to them. By keeping my word. By showing up on time. By speaking truth. Even when it’s hard but doing with love and intent to make them better and then applauding when they are.
Single. That’s me. Just Amy. Looking for the next love of my life. I’ve decided to incorporate that thinking, that requirement in the one I’m seeing or potentially seeing … Does he give honor to me? Does he bring value to my life? If that’s where my focus is, to do that for others and especially him … I think that’s where his focus should be for me, right? That’ll weed out a lot. And it’ll help guard my heart. How precious that relationship would be if we are both GIVING HONOR and ADDING VALUE.
Just Amy 