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In todays fast-paced world, it's sometimes hard to get folk's full attention. Everywhere you look, people are distracted as they stare at their televisions, computers, and smart phones, instead of into the eyes of the one they are supposed to be having a relationship with. Call me old-school, but I have a problem with that, and so should you. Why? It is a sign of disrespect. When I'm talking with someone and they have their head buried in their cell-phone, I've been known to simply get up and walk away. No apologies forthcoming. In the horse world, we have a saying, "Two eyes are better than two heels". Simply put, when my horse gives me two eyes, I know I have his full attention, and that is a sign of respect. Of course, the opposite of two eyes is two heels. Chances are, if my horse is not giving me two eyes (looking at me with his full attention), then he is giving me two heels (showing me his backside/hiney). Two heels is not only a sign of disrespect, but if tolerated, the horse may eventually follow up with other signs of disrespect, including kicking out at me or bucking. Needless to say, when I'm working with a 1200 pound horse, it's crucial that I have his respect. Without it, we have no relationship.
What do we really mean when we talk about relationship?
According to Miriam-Webster's dictionary, relationship means the way in which we talk to, behave toward, and deal with one another. I would describe relationship as the way in which we "connect". This brings me to an important question that we can only answer for ourselves. How are we personally connecting with God? Do we try to connect with God only when the bottom falls out and we need help? If that's the case, there's probably a very weak connection! Or do we "connect" by giving God true respect? While you're thinking about the answer to that question, here's something else to consider. How can we (mere humans) really show God (our Master) respect? A good starting place is by giving Him our full attention. That means we have to know when to turn off all the distractions - television, computers, smart phones, and so on. Impossible? Not really. Remember those early days when you first gave your heart to Christ? Remember how you couldn't get enough of Him? You read your Bible every day, and probably even memorized scripture. You prayed continually, even when you didn't need anything. You shared your most intimate thoughts and feelings with Him. You told Him how much you loved Him. You spent time with Him. You listened for His voice. In essence, you gave Him your full attention. That's still the kind of connection God wants with you and me. After all, it's the respect He deserves. And it starts when we're willing to give Him two eyes!
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