wanting to be known
I just had a moment of strong nostalgia. I found myself looking at a photo, then closing my eyes and remembering the feelings and surroundings from when that photo was taken.
Handwriting, the way someone moves or smiles or laughs, a word that used to be a nickname -- so many little things can take my mind to times and places in my past. I feel glad, then I miss the person, or time of life, or who I was then.
I think nostalgia is one of the times when our deep longing to be known by and connected with others comes to the surface.
The reality in this case is that if I am really honest with myself, things weren't that great then, I just want to remember them being great. I wasn't a better person. People didn't really know me. I was starting to reach out for the first time, though. It was special for that reason, and that can be enough.
I think of other times in my life when things were truly great. I was loved and known and included and needed. Those times just make me glad. There is no sense of loss or past, the people who knew me still know me and love me. I can't touch them and hear their affirming words every day now, but there is all of eternity for that, and I am even more glad. These memories just make me want to find more people that I can know and grow to love.
The most significant thing I've discovered in my life is the amazing beauty of being a part of a group of people that knows me and loves ms. I believe with all my heart that this is what every person longs for and really needs to find fulfillment -- to know and to be known. And I am certain that the only way to find that is to find God, and to allow Him to place us in a community of other messed up people that has been redeemed from being alone. Christ came not to condemn and isolate but to redeem, restore and unite people to Himself and to each other -- to find us. This is the good news.
You are loved and known, and if you don't know it the only thing you're missing is to be found by God.
My prayer and hope for you this season and throughout the year is that you know the joy of being found by God.
posted by John Daharsh @ 2:20 AM
5 Comments:
John,
I don't know if you remember me. We used to serve together in Impact many years ago. I was crusing through Eve's blog and I read through some of yours. Just wanted to say hi and speak to your latest post. Lately I've been feeling like the desire to know and be known is growing so great in people. It's almost consuming at times. I just wrote on it the other day as well and believe that it's more than time to gather together and Do this. Allow our hearts to break down walls and "be". Get to "KNOW" people and share so others can know you. I like your ideas on community-life thing and am pursuing something like it in Denver. Thanks for your post. ~Kristen Driscoll
beautiful
makes me warm and know the truth of being known. it is not really scary when you feel the amazing all encompasing love of it. to be loved when everything feels unlovable. to know that you are not alone in this world. hmmm i am glad i have gotten to be a part of community with you. the other day isaiah rubbed my shoulder and said he was given me some john love. it totally was like... but could never replace you. you have left a lasting mark on all our lives!
John,
Isn't that so true! - about how we tend to remember things surrounding pictures as better than they were? I think it is so funny... but that's part of what makes pulling the old pictures out again and again fulfilling and fun.
Anyhow... to the rest of what you said... agreed. It reminds me of the moment in the movie As Good As It Gets when Jack Nicholson looks around at everyone around him and says "What if this is as good as it gets?" It is the question so many people think but don't ask b/c they don't want to know the answer! Of course later in the movie we see him drop some of his defenses and become a part of this rag tag group of people... and then gain the core of what he was missing - human intimacy and connection, being loved (or even liked) for who he is... and realizes - praise the Lord --- that it gets better and better as community grows... Love you friend - Jackie
get to know my friend Nick...I believe you will like his writing and thoughts...
http://nickrichtsmeier.blogspot.com
Johnny D,
You are known, loved, and appreciated. In my hectic days I always find solice and peace reading your words.
Thanks for not just being known, but knowing who you are.
-Doug
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