Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders...Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. (Colossians 4:5, the Message)
Do you know the phenomenon of semiotics? Semiotics is the study of sign processes (semiosis), or signification and communication. It involves signs and symbols. I first learned of it from Leonard Sweet. According to Semioticon.com, it can be
"understood as the multidisciplinary study of information,
meaning, communication, interpretation, sign systems and evolution,
texts, interactions, organizations, cultural and social
transformations, sense-making and all other topics that may emerge from
future research, models and theories."
Reading the signs
Over your head? Well, yeah. Me too. But one of the basic ideas is something we've all experienced. You know how when you learn a new word, suddenly everyone is using it? Or so it seems. And, if you find a new car, suddenly there's lots of those kinds of cars on the road - even though you never saw one before. Coincidence? No, it's semiotics. It's seeing and reading signs. The new car, the new word - they're like signs. Once you notice the sign you see it everywhere.
Helping people
I'm sure it's like that with helping people. I've been suggesting ways to make it Christmas everyday (over the last seven days). Has it helped you? Are you looking around for opportunities? Are you noticing things differently? Does it seem like everyone is talking, writing, blogging and mentioning volunteering? If so, you're reading the signs.
Look and respond
I guess I'm starting to notice too. Yesterday, I went to a church near my home. I had meant to visit it for years but never got around to it. My son was supposed to play in a soccer game in Everett but he woke up with the flu. So, we decided to stay home. This meant I could go to church. After a few minutes of debating, I went to this church.
The worship was good. The congregation was small - only about 35 people. The atmosphere pleasant. And then, it happened. The pastor stood up and announced that this was his last day. He'd been appointed two years earlier and now had been let go. As I heard him tell his story in a very gracious way - honoring his leaders, the people in his church and God - I knew that I'd been sent to be there that day.
You see, a year ago, I was let go from my pastoral job. I knew it was the right decision but it still hurt when it happened. Now, looking back, I'm so glad. God knew that I needed time to start Semper Vita, time for my family, and time to deal with the remodel of my house.
Back to this morning. When the pastor left, I followed him out and introduced myself. I encouraged him to stay positive and to continue believing that God was in the situation with him. I told him a bit of my story, how originally it had hurt but that I had known letting me go was right. Now I am very grateful. He seemed encouraged. I knew that I'd just read the signs and answered the call.
Your turn
Who's around you that needs a word of encouragement, a hug or a helping hand? Please look around. And, if it seems just too coincidental - it probably is no coincidence at all. You're there to reach out. Let me know how it goes. Send me your comments and stories. Thanks!
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