Man, I used to dread those.
Although I knew dreading anything is wrong because it's a form of fear and fear brings torment. And then the wild thing is that--always--I ended-up enjoying those dinners, having had fun playing wealthy patron while listening to Tom's co-workers and their wives laugh and joke around--politely--I may add. Everyone seemed on their best behavior during those things.
And I'd even catch my new self stepping outside of my old self, so to speak, and relaxing, letting the peace of God within me take over so that I could converse with people and make them feel comfortable. And oh, how God loves it when we come out from behind our self-built walls.
Come out, come out wherever you are.
So anyway, I'd kick myself the whole drive home at having wasted days dreading what ended up being a delightful time.
Well, I mentioned to you on Sunday that we had a fancy-schmancy dinner coming up on Tuesday evening, a dinner with our financial guy (who's an extremely pleasant young man and another businessman connected to the financial world, plus, four other clients.
All day Sunday and Monday I caught myself dreading that dinner just like the ones from The Old Days. Good grief. I kept lecturing myself to knock-off the dread, reminding myself of how fancy dinners from before ended up being Good Things. And I even would repeat the name of Jesus when that dread would rise up.
Then around Monday night it's like I had a breakthrough!
I realized that satan's plan is to make me so dread these dinners, to walk into them so uptight, thus hiding the Light within me. And I'd be too nervous to make anyone feel comfortable or curious about God.
Wow. So Tuesday was a better day, way less dread-stuffed, (though there were a few "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus's" whispered).
And the dinner? The dinner was a delight. Delicious (I had the petite filet mignon... oh my goodness)--and--God helped me speak to others comfortably and to care that the businessman had a hearing problem much like mine, so I spoke louder to him. I saw every person at that table as being deeply loved by God and, within my heart, I prayed that each one would come to know my Greatest Friend--the One who knows me best, but loves me anyway, constantly, and cheers from my corner when I tear down self-imposed walls and run outside of them so to love others as He does.
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"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." ... Galataions 2:20
"Love one another..." ... John 13:34
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What a great post, Debra. I loved it when you said, "I saw every person at that table as being deeply loved by God".
ReplyDeleteIn Hungarian people who come to visit are often greeted with the phrase, "Isten Hozott", which means, "God brought you!" When I first learned that I thought it a perfect way to remind me to be not afraid but welcoming to everyone I encountered. You seem to be saying this same message here.
I'm so glad you had a wonderful time Tuesday evening.
This really hit home for me. I do the same thing. I worry about this type of occasion and dread it, and later I wonder why I waste so much time dreading it because it went well. Glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.
ReplyDeletenancyr
Dear Debra...what a wonderful post. I too always dread social events, especially with people I don't really known. When you mention asking God to help you speak so that others would be comfortable, a light went on in my head! It's not about me..it's about others! That's something I know, but need to know "more"!
ReplyDeleteHugs my sweet friend!
To Kristi ~ I am Hungarian, but didn't know that phrase. I will forever remember it, thank you!
I haven't been here for two days so had two posts to catch up on! An extra treat! Just tonight I will be at a function and am/WAS getting nervous over it....Then I read your post. I have my clothes and everything ready and it is hours away...so now I am going to relax and then later get ready to shine for Him while being out amongst all these people. THANK YOU! :-) Sarah
ReplyDeleteI too suffer from this ailment. I wonder if it's a malady of the introvert. Like you said, much time is wasted over the dreading, the thinking up of excuses, and then finally going - and by and large - having a swell old time.
ReplyDeleteIt's getting easier as I get older (heh) to press through or ignore the unease & just let go.
Thanks, Everyone! Your thoughtful insights helped inspire my post today (5/24) and helped me understand some concepts on a deeper level. Thank-you for taking time from your day to tell me your thoughts! Blessings, Debra
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