Recently, someone told me that I should guard against people pleasing. I understood what they were saying in that we shouldnt place pleasing people above pleasing God--that can border on idolatry. And if we are serving God first, then serving others will be done in His strength rather than the frenzy of our own. But I had to chuckle...as an Interior Designer, Im in the people pleasing business. Yesterday, I met a gal at her new place right after closing. We discussed furniture placement for her order but also her remodel. She smiled when I made a comment and said, You really get me! Im really thankful to have found you! Then I smiled because thats the second time Ive heard that this week. And I know how important it is to be understood. Then I ran by another home on my way home last night. I had helped them with paint selection for their dining room and, with the fresh paint on the walls, we were going to confirm a rug to go with the slip seat fabric selection. When I walked up to the house, I could see it...simply stunning. And the room color blended beautifully with the outside brick to make walking up to the home really inviting. When I left, I offered for her to come outside and see what I saw. She was beaming and couldnt wait to show her husband. She said, I have color and that makes me happy! And now its starting to feel like MY home!. Then she added somewhat quietly, Have you even seen me happy since you met me?... I just smiled and gave her a hug. Thats what I love about what I do...bringing Joy to others. Dealing with ones home environment is a very personal business...and it can be very healing to the soul. And I have the privilege of often being, not only invited into their home...but into truly their private world of thoughts and hopes and dreams. Its a privilege I dont take lightly. I met a woman yesterday. She was very tall and when I walked towards her in greeting, she stopped and took a deep breath as if bracing herself. Moments later, as she told me what she was looking for, I understood why. She is wanting to make her home a reflection of her...because her husband passed away suddenly almost a year ago. She has been in shock and mourning ever since...and only now trying to attempt to pick up the pieces and go on with life as it is now. Its in those moments, that my heart becomes involved...I want to use the talents that God has gifted me with to help. Then she added something that really struck my heart. She said her mother-in-law has lost two husbands and two children. She said it wont get easier, it will only change. And she said that nothing will make sense unless you have a spiritual foundation. The gal sitting next to me then slightly shook her head and added, Im not spiritual...so it doesnt make sense... Truly a glimpse into her soul. And seeing someone with no HOPE and hearing her pain....needless to say, I was gently reminded... Every shred of HOPE that I have in this life comes from my relationship with Jesus. Not everyone gets that, of course...but not everyone has the HOPE that I do, either. A Hope that is built from endurance that produces character. That doesnt always answer why but allows me to REST in the answer that I am given. I can have blind Faith because I Trust that Im not alone in the darkness. And thats another reason why I share my life so openly in my posts...so that if you get me, then I Hope you will get Jesus in your life...so you can share the wonderful blessing of Hope. :) From todays daily Bible verse app: For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13 NLT)
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 12:02:42 +0000
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