I have discovered that there are these people in my life who I really have no idea the affect they have on me, on what happens around me, and on what I’m learning.
They are people who have shared so much of themselves, given so many long days, sleepless nights and repeated conversations. They give and give and give. They’re speaking the things that they know to be true desperate for you to know them too. They have learned this thing that has changed them, helped them live an even fuller life. And the cry of their heart is to share that with you. So that you can live that extraordinary full life yourself.
Sometimes, I am aware of this happening in the moment. I am aware of the sacrifice that is happening for these people to give what they’ve got away. But, to be honest, most of the time I have no idea the true cost. What is it actually COSTING them to be here, to lay their own heart bare, to expose themselves to my world? I know that it is costing something. Probably a lot. And I’m pretty sure they have counted the cost and they say it is worth it. They say that no matter the cost they will spend their life to make sure that I get to go further. They give it all to make sure that I can see more Kingdom come and more Will be done than they ever will.
Today I was reminded that those people won’t always be there.
Today I was also reminded that what they’ve given has changed me forever.
They spend their lives giving it away to those who are smart enough to listen. I am changed forever because of things that others have taught me. I am changed forever because they chose to share what the Lord was doing in them and what the Lord was saying to them.
I am one of many who have been changed. And I am so, so thankful.
The pouring out is not over. These people will continue to pour out and I can honor their sacrifice by doing the same. I can share what the Lord is doing in me and what the Lord is saying to me and it will change things, just like what they’ve shared has changed me.
