Pastor's Weekly Word

 

In The Play-Full Life, Jaco Hamman refers to an African proverb he grew up with, “The people who love me grow on me like moss.” He then explains that the proverb is equating people with the medicinal qualities of moss, how our friends can become a soothing balm that protects and restores. Compare that with the American proverb, “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” Here we see two different worldviews, one steeped in people and community, and another steeped in constant motion and achievement.

 

On Sunday we talked about becoming more creative when it comes to our conversations. We must certainly be getting tired of the same old arguments that never seem to accomplish much. We present our “side” and our “information” and our “statistics” in order to prove our point, and yet we can’t seem to make any headway. What if we were to change the game altogether? What if, in your next conversation, instead of looking to prove your point, you became insatiably curious about the other person, who they are, where they come from, what they hope for in their life? What if you slowed it way down and actually talked to them?

 

It is my belief that when you invest in people over position and relationship over rhetoric, you will experience a deeper richness in your life and in your faith. Like the African proverb suggests, the most unlikely people might actually become friends who grow on you like moss. Become a more “mossy” person. Seek God in every relationship you are part of. Love like you never have before, and see what happens next.