In case you did not realize it, it will be hot as a furnace here in Texas this summer. Right now we are enjoying cool upper 80's with a series of thunderstorms passing through, BUT it can turn on a dime--a matter of hours. We will be suffering the heat and blazing sun of Deep Summer here in the South for a few months. The first order of business in the new bungalow has been blowing insultation in the attic. Paying those summertime utilities is a big financial drain and whatever I can do to keep that AC humming as little as possible will help. This insulation will help keep me cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
When the word insulation started rolling around in my head, I thought of the closet of coats and cold weather gear I have. As bad as the heat can be, I am NOT a huge fan of bitter cold. My body fat is low due to genetic tendencies---and that is God's way to provide us with insulation. SO, I have to bundle up when those bitter northwest winds come in the Winter. I have become a master at layering and staying warm--it only took 75 years to perfect my method. BUT the insulation protects me from the bitter cold of the winter months.
I also tend to insulate myself from suffering hurt, disappointment, angst, and other interpersonal relationship struggles by withdrawing. It sometimes seems easier to be alone than suffer the pain that can come with our relationships. We have talked before about how I guard my heart. That is not all bad, but it also can limit my joy if I am not careful. Exactly like life---there are highs with the lows in our relationships, and if I carefully analyze, I begin to realize the highs far outweigh the lows. We insulate our homes so that we can enjoy them no matter the weather extremes. We insulate our bodies so that we can enjoy a brisk walk in the cold and the beauty of the winter landscape. We can insulate ourselves in relationships, by going to The Word. It is filled with examples of how to act and react when in a relationship. So thankful for God's provision of these instructions so that I do not have to withdraw (He intends us to live in community), but instead enjoy the great joy which comes with friends and family. It never ceases to amaze me how I can look at something as mundane as putting in insulation and be reminded of God's faithful provision. I am so thankful.
"Be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves."
Romans 12:10
Danny has seen to it that our home is well insulated to protect us both from the heat and the cold, Lulu. That's all well and good, but as you've said here, we should not build up insulation around our hearts that we can't relate to the needs of those around us. I love your analogy today!
ReplyDeleteBless you, Martha!
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