Infinitum Advent Suprised by God, Week 4Egzanp

Do you have someone in your life whose love language is “Words of Affirmation”? Not everyone is gifted in this way, but having one of these people in your life is a gift to everyone nearby. Words of affirmation are like a cool drink of water on a hot day. Every human needs these words and carries a thirst for them even when we aren’t aware.

Right now, you could answer the question, “What would help you breathe a little deeper to hear from someone you respect?” And when we pause to do it, we can actually see each other’s thirsts as well, can’t we? Bring to mind the face of a loved one; what words can you picture them hearing that you know would loosen some tension they carry?

Mary, Jesus’ mother, is 6 months pregnant with her first child. Newlywed. Carrying a heavy stigma around this premature pregnancy visits her cousin, who is also pregnant with her first child. They had all manner of things to chat about, but upon arriving at Elizabeth's home, Mary isn’t greeted with a shared joke about swollen ankles; she receives the lavish gift of words instead.

Elizabeth unreservedly expresses joy at Mary’s arrival. She blesses Mary and her child. She expresses humble gratitude that Mary would invest time to visit her. She gave her an unfiltered description of how she was affected by this gift of Mary’s time, and she honoured Mary for her faith and faithfulness to God.

When is the last time you greeted someone in this lavish way? For that matter, when is the last time any of us took the time to even write something like this into a birthday card?!

What generosity Elizabeth shows us. The gift of her vulnerability to express herself so unfiltered. What kind of deposit she made into Mary’s well-being! What an inexpensive but meaningful way to show someone they are valued.

In what way can you bless someone This Christmas by being generous with your praise?

How can you let someone know the way you see God in them?

Try it on for size. Spend intentional time telling those in your proximity (at work or home, etc.) how you see God at work in your lives. For example: ‘I see God at work in the way you are so kind to me.” Perhaps even try a word of appreciation for strangers in the grocery store! Both levels of vulnerability flex the muscle of generosity in our lives!