Impressions

Everyone you meet will ultimately be surprised by you – positively or negatively. There is no net neutral effect in relationships.

To some you get a blank slate. Nothing about your past has coloured it. Children are usually blessed with this. You get more time to create an impression when you have a blank slate.

To most you come with an already filled canvas, with a little room to reshape the view. Sadly, you might not even see what is already on the canvas, because most of the brush strokes are with invisible paint. I will discuss 3 out of the many alternatives you have – “Do nothing”, “Act cautiously”, or “Just be”.

Doing nothing is the surest way to either reinforce what is already on the canvas or flip it into a negative painting.

Acting cautiously is a safe way to fill the available space with doubts about the rest of the painting.

Just being takes back the canvas and helps you paint whatever you desire and own it.

There are many other alternatives. The choice is always yours. Be deliberate about your impressions.

– Osasu Oviawe

Our Father

Matthew 6:7-15
“And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Homily:

The deepest relationship you will ever have is one with our Father.

This prayer covers 7 critical gates for me –

  1. Reverence for His place in our lives.
  2. Prioritizing His will.
  3. Asking for His sustenance.
  4. Understanding the deep pain our sins bring to Him, from the pain we feel when others hurt us.
  5. Learning through forgiving others.
  6. Growing through His forgiveness.
  7. Seeking His protection from known and unknown threats.

This prayer is a gift that gives daily.