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The Other Side of Me


 A year ago the word Zoom, was simply a way to describe speed -  or a way to get from here to there - 'we zoomed to our destination'. As a mom to 3 sons, we 'zoomed' around in many areas of life! 

Following the pandemic of 2020, Zoom is a preferred method of communication and connection. Many people are pros at Zoom meetings while I am just getting my feet wet in this area. The concept is that you sit - usually at home at your computer and log in to a virtual room with others. You can see and hear each other while a meeting or training is conducted. 

My first Zoom meeting, I made sure to dress up, apply make up, fix my hair etc, to look my best.  One meeting, my computer camera didn't work and I wasn't 'seen', but simply heard. A meeting was approaching this week on my day off. I made a quick attempt to look decent, a swipe of make up and the barest amount of attention was given to my hair with hopes that would be presentable. Once we all appeared on the screen, it became apparent to me, that my attempts to look presentable were pretty weak! My hair looked awful and the make up attempt was pretty bad as well! I learned what it looked like to be 'on the other side of me'.

We don't often see the other side of us. The one that others see. We see our intentions - which are always honorable(!), but a full face to face look at the other side of us may cause us to gasp - do we really appear like that?  What do others see when they see us? Family - they often see the genuine us, no sugar coating, bare bones, full emotion, no holding back - the real deal. What do our answers given with shortness look like on the other side? How do we look when someone is talking to us and inwardly we are pondering the things we have to do? What is it like living with us? Are we considerate, courteous, do we take into account others perspective or do we forge ahead with our own ideas and blaze a trail of opinions that dare to be confronted or challenged? Are we good roommates, partners, and pleasant to live around?  What does the other side of us look like?

This was a pretty sobering awakening for me and I quickly realized there is a huge difference on the other side of me.  The only cure for this is the spirit of genuineness. For attitudes and actions to be in alignment, inside and outside intentions on the same page. This is a heart issue that only God can fix. Left to our selves, we automatically seek out selfish motives and if left unchecked drift away from the things God has called us to do and people to be. A daily dose of God's goodness is the tool that will keep the other side of us beautiful. What we fill up with is what will be reflected out of us. God's Word brings truth to our situation, we are sinners in need of a Savior. God loves us and has a purpose and plan for our lives.We don't have to live contrary to Him, but He longs for us to draw near to Him and allow Him to fill us with His goodness. Whatever our lack may be, He has it in abundance and is ready to give it to us. 

November is a perfect time to readjust our attitudes. Gratitude changes our heart and allows us to look at everything differently. Grateful people are pleasant people and it is a joy to be on the other side of them! 




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