Sit Up Straight

Sit Up Straight

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“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you,” John‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you,”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬, NIV‬‬.

I realize I slouch. That really has no effect on me in my day-to-day routine, but when I leave the house, travel, visit others, I become acutely aware of my posture.

I attended a conference recently, and thought my list was completed once I zipped my suitcase. However, I quickly realized that there were so many other things that I should have packed while away.

To slouch or not to slouch, or when to slouch, topped my list. I wanted to present myself worthy of a child of God, confident, but not prideful. Soon I discovered that there are other physical characteristics that as I age, I have retired. Putting my elbows on the table (sorry Mom—you tried.) Or having tight abs. The only thing holding up my torso are my ribs—hence the slouching.

It’s interesting that when I am in unfamiliar situations, I find myself uncomfortably aware of my table manners, posture and dinner conversations. These external traits receive a spotlight unnecessary at my dinner table at home. We are a relaxed informal family.

Yet, I become increasingly aware that my destination wasn’t Kansas anymore, and that I was not Dorothy. That there’s more to bring to someone’s table than good posture. My good manners needed to begin with my heart.

Do I care about the cultural differences between our two tables? Do I care about these strangers? How do I make others feel who sit across from me? These exploratory questions are of a spiritual nature; they’re of one’s heart.

To make someone feel comfortable meant that I might become the one uncomfortable. Was I willing to make that sacrifice?

I believe my Heavenly Father asks me to do just that. I believe that’s what He means when He says, “Love others as yourselves.” To put someone else before you-because you want to be before all others (our desires).

It might have been too late to do sit-ups for that trip, but it’s never too late for me to love someone more than I love myself. If it makes someone feel more comfortable, I should consider that pursuit.

How are your manners at another’s dinner table? Do they reflect God’s kingdom, or your own?

(Feel free to comment below. I love hearing your thoughts.)

Father,

I need Your help to remember all my manners. But the first one is to love people more than I love myself. To think of them first. To listen to their conversation to truly hear what they are saying, not just to respond. This is challenging for me, as You are well aware.

Help me move from my comfortable dining table to a stranger, well. Help me to remember to be kind, to think before I speak, and to take the seat at the end, and not the head of the table.

Help me be to be in such good shape morally and spiritually that these happen effortlessly. I know it will take time to achieve this, so please don’t stop couching me.

The goal is to surrender all to You daily. Your will be done, not mine.

Amen.