Habits of speech: "He" instead of "Me"

A string of Christmas lights cheers the dark Winter. Even a little light brightens the season. (Photo courtesy of free Wix library)

Luke 10: 17, 20 (English Standard Version) "The seventy-two returned with joy, saying 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" "Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

December 5 was the 55th anniversary of the death of my baby sister, a tragedy that forever changed the landscape of my soul. As a result, I was often referred to as an "only" child.

In one of the classes I took in college, we learned about "only" children and the way they view life and interact with the world. A frequent use of the words "I" and "me" were stirred into my daily perspective, spilling often into my speech and thought patterns.

In today's reading, a gentle reminder surfaced. I am not the first person in history to misplace focus. When Jesus sent the 72 disciples out to prepare the way for him, instead of rejoicing over their salvation, an odd thing was revealed.

"Even the demons are subject to us in your name!"

While they may have been mildly impressed at sudden healing that took place as they prayed for the sick and the wounded, they now revel that they seem to have mastered the king of darkness.

"Subject to us" removes the focus from what they should have said, "subject to you" or "subject to the Lord."

Another episode of hey, look what we did.

The Bible is practical and applicable to today. In reading these verses, I see that in my own life, I tend to focus on the "me" instead of "he."

God did it. "He" did.

Several years ago, I was having a conversation with a new deputy friend, who was asking questions about my upbringing and history. At the time, I worked as a civilian at a law enforcement agency. During the conversation, I mentioned I was an only child, sort of, since my sister had passed. And his reply was that "it was obvious" that I was an only. Not meaning anything by that, he was speaking the truth plainly, and that is just how he rolled.

Splat.

The statement reminded me of something my Mom used to always say, "it is not about you."

She had to paddle the boat hard to keep my focus on others and not myself.

The tendency resurfaced recently, as I learned some parts and ways of speech that were affecting my interaction in my line of work.

Listening to suggestions offered in training, I adapted my approach.

What a novel idea. Focus on others and leave me out of the mix.

Amazing. I began experiencing better outcomes and interactions. I have seen more smiles. I wonder if this could help in other ways as well.

So when I saw this verse this morning, I had to laugh and thought, yep, this is really good.

He is still working on me.

May the light of this day be with you, wherever you are, in the midst of sometimes dark and challenging times. May uncertainties be steadied, may anxieties be quieted, may illness be healed and better days come for you. We don't have a promise that this life will be perfect. But we know God is with us through it all. Share your light with others. Even if you think it is just a little light. And maybe, if all of us share the little light we have, together - we can make a difference.