Life Interpreted

We heard a language we did not understand.
Psalm 81:5


Germany. Now it sounds so far away but I called that country home my fourth year of life. To immerse me in the culture and language, my mother enrolled me in all German-speaking preschool. I spent months there telling elaborate stories in English. It never occurred to me that the children in Germany did not speak my language. 


I needed an interpreter.


Marriage. It sounds so familiar and easy. Since the first couple, humans have been freely entering into marriage. I dreamed of becoming a wife from the time I was a little girl and eagerly greeted the day I first engaged in marriage. I have spent years hearing my spouse express needs that I simply can't understand. We do not speak the same language.


I need an interpreter.


Parenting. Now that's something that should come natural. My children were born from within me. Surely four little female beings who bear my DNA will speak my language. The longer I parent, the more I realize I can never understand the depths of my daughter's hearts. 


I need an interpreter.


Are you like me? Do you sometimes wish you could just hit the "translate" button in life and gain the understanding you desire? Do you long to connect with your friends and loved ones at a deeper level? We need an interpreter. We cannot on our own understand the words and actions of others.


Our interpreter is grace. 


Angry words filtered through grace lose their sting.
Tides of emotion sifted by grace land on peaceful shores.
Unmet needs shaded by grace come to light.


Today I will not listen alone. Instead I will invite Grace to hear with me words expressed and withheld. I will ask Him to see with me actions understood and mysterious. He will be my interpreter. He sees what is blind to my eye and hears what is deaf to my ear. Life Interpreted.

28 comments:

  1. This is a lovely and lyrical post Shannon.

    Thank you for this reminder that we need an interpreter as we make our way through life - and that we have our Great Guide who never fails us!

    Blessings,
    Ann

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    1. Dr. Ann, so thankful for your visit. Have a wonderful, guided day!

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  2. what an awesome, great, clever post! I'm going to share this on my Facebook today:)

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    1. Audry, thank you so much for sharing my post on Facebook. You are so super sweet!

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  3. I read Jesus' prayer, in John 14-17, for all of his disciples today. It echoes what you're saying. Only as we remain in Jesus and Jesus dwells in us is there unity among brothers. I love when the Holy Spirit in me recognizes the Holy Spirit in another and there is a spark of understanding. Thank you for sharing wonderful words of truth, I pray for eyes and ears of grace!

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    1. Beck, so cool. I was just praying through that passage the other day. Connected hearts!

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  4. Well said! I honestly wonder how people manage the demands of being a mom without the enabling power of grace. And as much as I know that it is the most powerful tool in my mom tool box, I still have to constantly be reminded. Thanks for such a well written reminder!

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    1. Isn't it amazing how God leads us to write what we most need? Lately I've been feeling more frustrated with my kids than usual and I needed this post to get my mind framed with grace.

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  5. So well said!!http://elizabethhill-liz.blogspot.com/

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  6. Shannon, this is beautifully written. As I was reading it, I couldn't help thinking...man, she is such a great writer! I always love your perspective and your writing always inspires me.

    Blessings and a JOY filled Friday to you my friend,
    ~Rosann

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    1. Rosann, what a sweet word of encouragement. I am thankful that God is growing and refining me every day. To be chiseled by His hand is a thing of beauty!

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  7. A wonderful post, Shannon! The Bible is the best translation handbook I know of! ;-) What would we do without the Word of God?

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    1. Gwendolyn, I truly have no idea what I would do without having the Word to run to!

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  8. I find that sometimes I need an interpreter - just so that it can interpret the needs and wants my daughter tells me all the time. But in the end it's never easy. I think being a mother is not easy, especially when you have four daughters. Wow, amazing. Perhaps that's why I love to visit, for the inspiration you bring in your words. That's why I wanted to pass on the Versatile and Cherry on Top Awards to you. Thanks for all your kind words.

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    1. Barbara, you are such a sweetheart. I am thankful that you help interpret life in a whole different way by reaching out to our Spanish speaking friends and making it easier for us non-Spanish speakers to gain the knowledge and skills we need to unify our communities with one heart beating for God!

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  9. Hi Shannon,

    You have a melodic way of writing. And yes, grace, is a wonderful translator! Thank you.

    Why were you in Germany at age 4? I spent some time in France and Africa when I was young.

    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

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    1. Jennifer, so cool! My dad worked for John Fluke back then and had an adventurous heart so off we went for a year's excursion to Germany. Last Christmas my parents gave me the letters they wrote back and forth with my grandmother while we lived there. I have been reading them and reliving those wonderful days.

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    2. What a treat!

      Jennifer Dougan
      www.jenniferdougan.com

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  10. Hi Shannon, it's my first time on your blog and I'll be back for more encouragement! HIS GRACE is sufficient! Thank God!
    Amy from amyswomantics.blogspot.com

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    1. Amy, welcome to the Oasis! So thankful you've found hope and encouragement here and I'm looking forward to visiting your blog next!!!

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  11. Beautifully written and such an effective interpretation of the concept of grace!

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    1. Dee Dee, thanks so much for those sweet words! I'm so sorry I missed hearing you last Sunday. Can I get the Cliff Notes version? :)

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  12. Beautifully written and such an effective interpretation of the concept of grace!

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  13. Beautiful post! I like your blog and follow you for FB, google +, GFC and twitter! I hope your visit! Happy Week!

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    1. Yiselle, thank you so much for connecting with me online! I am excited to get to know you better!

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  14. Love it. "Our interpreter is grace." A great reminder.

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