Lost in Translation

Okay, so I've been dealing with a few things over the past week that have got me thinking. I know, dangerous! We've been struggling-trying to get someone to help us get Rylee a mobility product. She's been essentially without a wheelchair since April. The therapists call the seating and mobility company-no calls returned or, "we'll get back with you." Then the seating and mobility company calls finally this week, but somehow didn't realize Rylee's need was this pressing. To make a long, emotional roller coaster (I laughed, I cried, I ran the gambit of emotions) story a tad bit shorter - between wanting to throttle everyone, throw in the towel, promising myself I will never depend on others again, and realizing that I should probably be on medications...
I hear, in that blue eyed, Paul Newman drawl, "What we have here is a failure to communicate." Yeah-that Cool Hand Luke sure knew what he was about...except for that whole egg eating episode...but I digress.
Think about it-failure to communicate properly affects every aspect of our everyday lives.

You tell your boss you are ready for more responsibilites.
Translation: you want a raise.
Result? You now work weekends.
You overhear a well meaning church member whisper to another, "Have you heard...?"
Translation: girl, I've got some great gossip!
Result? A person that needed support and encouragement feels a confidence betrayed.
You tell your husband you feel a little frumpy.
Translation: honey, tell me you love me just the way I am-weight gain, stretch marks, and the occasional sweat pants.
Result? For Christmas he buys you a gym membership.
Your husband says he is "fine" after a twelve hour day at work.
Translation: Um, well, with guys it's simple. He really is "fine" but would rather watch UFC fighting than hash out the entire day.
Result? You feel like he doesn't want to 'share' his feelings with you. Wife ends up pouting the rest of the evening, feeling ingnored. He is watching UFC fighting unaware of the storm brewing!

Everyday we have chances to not just effectively communicate but also connect with those around us. Appearantly someone, or all of us, were not clear enough, adamant enough about Rylee's specific needs. Rather than have hurt feelings and wallow in the frustration - I have to connect with all these people to ensure Rylee gets the best care possible. (Yeah, I'm learning humility on a whole new level! grin)

Maybe that's the whole key to productive communication? Connecting with the people you are speaking to. Listen, don't just wait for your turn to speak.

There's a really cool spiritual parallel here too.
While doing for Him, sometimes we forget to really listen to His leading.
Result? We're tired, used up, spent, living a life of obligation rather than obedience to Him.
Translation: We aren't really connecting, plugging in to Christ.

Aaron was talking to me recently about how God uses the Holy Spirit to be our translator.

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." John 14:16-17

Sometimes we lose something in translation. From the Word to our heart, the meaning goes missing. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in-reminding us of His purpose for our life. While the Holy Spirit gives us God's guidance or truth...the Holy Spirit also intervenes for us, making sure we get the best God has for us.

"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8:27

As christians, we ask for what we want, often neglecting what we really need. But He listens, knows the desires of our hearts. And just maybe, if we stop and really listen...'failure to communicate' could change to a 'fullness of connection.'

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

be with you all."

2 Corinthians 13:14