LEARNING LESSONS

Isn’t it fascinating to reflect on the fact that God made each of us unique and different? Despite the vast number of people that are currently living on this earth, have already lived before us, and  will live in the future, no two of us are alike. We all look different, look at and process things differently, and have unique experiences. The beauty of this was brought to the forefront of my attention when I attended a talk from a dear friend, Dr. Gregorio Pedroza, His reflection consisted of three parts: how he consciously learns something from every person in his life, how he got to where he is today, and where he is going. He continues to be the most inspiring person in my life because of the physical suffering he has endured for more than forty years—more than half of his life. I wrote about him and his wife, Lilly, a few years ago. Click here to read more of his story, but make sure you come back and finish reading this reflection!

Celebrating two special people – Greg & Lilly’s 60th anniversary – 2022!

 

Let’s further explore Greg’s first nugget about how he learns something from every person in his life. It was something he learned and implemented as a child when encouraged to “run toward people,” realizing the value of relationships. He grew up in a very large extended family, and people were constantly around. If you know me personally, you probably know that for most of my life I have been an introvert with a small circle of people, so that concept is a bit foreign to me. God has blessed me, especially these past three or four years, with expanding my world to include more people as I follow His path with this writing ministry. I have experienced the personal growth that comes from being more open to relationships, especially on a spiritual level.

 

 

 

Greg shared this Scripture that has brought more meaning to me now.

You yourselves are all the endorsement we need. Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it. We couldn’t be more sure of ourselves in this—that you, written by Christ himself for God, are our letter of recommendation. We wouldn’t think of writing this kind of letter about ourselves. Only God can write such a letter. His letter authorizes us to help carry out this new plan of action. The plan wasn’t written out with ink on paper, with pages and pages of legal footnotes, killing your spirit. It’s written with Spirit on spirit, his life on our lives!  –2 Corinthians 3:2-6  (MSG)

Paul, in writing to the Corinthians and us, shares that our lives are a love letter to God and the whole world. Because Christ sacrificed His life for us, we have the Spirit in us. The Spirit is alive in our hearts and helps us be the authors of our lives and our letters.  God is always with us, guiding us to be more like Him.

After listening to Greg share stories of the main lessons he has learned from different people in his life I was inspired to do the same. We can think about the lessons, good or bad, and see how they apply to our lives personally if needed. Sometimes the lesson is something good that we can incorporate, and sometimes it is something we know we should not. It is important to remember to not let the past define our future. Let the past be the past. God is always there to help us move forward.

A major lesson that Greg has taught me in life is to focus on the “I can do,” not the “I can’t do.” Greg has only limited function in his one hand, which has no tactile feeling, and is not able to walk anymore. He has constant burning pain, except for a few hours when he is able to sleep. Yet he has the biggest, joy-filled smile that lets us know he cares for us and is ready to listen to what we have to say. He is able to spread joy and cheer by calling a list of people once a week to check in on them. He is continually praying for people throughout the day and mentoring different people, which are just a few of the ways he focuses on what he can do.

 

 

Here are some lessons I have learned from some of the people God has graced me to share this life with. They are things that have blessed my faith journey and that I strive to live more like.

 

*Relationships are important; include people to make them feel like family.

*Reflect on how the Holy Spirit is always at work in our lives.

*Always reach out to others, despite the dire circumstances you are experiencing.

*We journey together with each other.

*Engage others, showing them respect.

*Put God’s love into action by helping and serving.

*Talk to the outcasts of society and let them know they matter.

*Be a humble servant of God.

*Cling to faith and one another during the hardships of life.

*Make others feel valued and respected by listening with your heart.

*Keep the attitude that “everything is okay,” despite everything going wrong.

*To continually converse with God and listen to His voice.

*Put your faith and trust in God, even if you’re fighting for your life.

*Extend a smile and have a good attitude to bring joy to others, despite your life circumstances.

*It is good to share a quiet, deep faith as you sing praises to God.

*To be cheerful and laugh every day, which will brighten others’ lives.

 

I think it’s important to share with others the lesson we have learned from them as our lives have a great impact on each other. We are each an important piece in the puzzle of life and the kingdom of God.

 

Be encouraged this week to…

…make a list of people and the lessons you’ve learned from them.

…ponder the letter you publish daily to God and others.

…be flexible and open to how God wants to change you.

…focus on what you can do vs. what you can’t do.

…share with a few people the lesson that you see in their lives.

 

REFLECTION:

What lesson from someone’s life has powerfully impacted yours?
What is one lesson you hope someone can learn from your life?

 

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”  –James 4:14-15  (NIV)