Read the Room Noni

 I heard something very clarifying yesterday. Someone close to me expressed concern that I read the Bible, share my faith but also say inappropriate things at times. It never occurred to me that anyone would view me that way. I never think of being in a relationship with Jesus meant I needed to be stodgy or not get silly. Jesus is right by my side but life is full of opportunities for joy in the silly, in the serious, and in the quiet moments. Never have I ever wanted to be holier than thou. Do I want to do God’s will for my life? Absolutely. But being a Christ follower does not mean giving up a life abundant with fun. 

Ronnie B and I just spent three weeks in Ireland and Barcelona, Spain. We learned so much on this archeology trip but it was not also filled with connections with others, beer and whiskey in noisy pubs, and time to hold hands throughout our day. My grandparents and parents had a faith in Jesus that allowed them to live fulfilled life while also kicking up their heels. Mom and Dad had the best New Year’s Eve parties filled with laughter and goofiness. Yes, we even played a few games that could have been viewed by Mrs. Craving from Bewitched as off color. But the memories of rubbing my dad’s calf in Leggy Weggy to see if it was Ron’s is still a fond memory. I picked my dad’s leg because it was muscular and Ron is a runner. What a surprise when I took off the blindfold to see my dad’s calf in my hands. That told me something about my dad. He didn’t run hurdles but he worked hard in construction to have legs of steel. Some of the moments that come in my view of my dad who died too soon, are those where he is throwing his head back in laughter. He had joy along with faith and hard work. 

Life is a balance and it is okay to step into our humor. What I know now is I might need to temper or filter myself with those who don’t see my heart clearly. It is not fun to be misunderstood. But I need to learn better how to read the room. Just because I know my heart doesn’t mean it is clearly to others. So I will leave my inappropriate silliness to myself more. But I really hate the idea of filters. Ask anyone they will tell you that it is futile for Ronnie B to check me with Filters, Noni, Filters. But at the same time I want to represent Jesus with my whole life so I need to pray a bit more about this. 

In Him,

Joyful