I would drive home or to a familiar area, that I know like the back of my hand. Every now and then I find myself in a familiar place but it’s different. Have you ever found yourself in a familiar and yet different place in life? Let’s talk about it.
“Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives…” (Jeremiah 29:1 KJV)
Familiar and yet Unfamiliar
It’s story time and in the text it’s morning time. The sun is shining over the hills, you can hear the birds singing. You can see the dew on the leaves. We are approaching the beautiful city of Jerusalem. The man of God, Jeremiah is headed to town. Jeremiah was a priest or a small preacher from a small town named Anathoth.
As he’s making his way through the city. He noticed something different about the big city. There is something wrong about the Holy Land. There is something a little off, in the land that God promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Something is out of place in this place. Jeremiah looks around and a lot of people are missing.
The usual morning traffic jam by the city gates that’s usually occurs at this time is not there.
There’s usually singing.
Usually, some chatter
Usually movement
You will normally see people moving to and fro. Going in and out of the city. There’s normally a certain hustle and bustle at the city. As you look around in the streets of Jerusalem.
The lady that sells beautiful garments is missing
The fisherman that has fresh fish for sale is missing.
The children that are usually outside playing are missing.
A lot of people are missing…
Some of you know what I’m saying. Over the last few years some of us had to return to work, and it’s not the same. You went to school, and you looked around and the people that you are used to seeing were not there. The usual go to items, on your desk, or your table are not there. Better yet, the money that you are used to having in the bank isn’t there. Relationships are not the same. Well, I guess I’m the only one dealing with it. What do you do? How do I handle a familiar situation and yet it’s unfamiliar?
What do you do when a familiar place has become unfamiliar?
Familiar and yet reacquainted
Jeremiah heard the bad news, so he put pen to paper. He wrote a personal letter to the people he loved. In times like this, I learned to step back and reevaluate the situation. Get back to it and get reacquainted with what’s going on. I agree, it worked about five years ago, but this is a new time to get reacquainted. How do you do that? Here are three simple steps on how we can get reacquainted.
1. When you get reacquainted, get to know the people. In this new space find out who you are reconnecting with. Jeremiah’s letter was sent to prisoners. The people who were held captive in Babylon. In our case, it might be a family member that you grew up with, and now it’s time to catch up. No better time than the present. I’m just saying. It might be an old talent or gift that use used to have but, due to other obligations, you’re too busy. (I need to get back drawing again.)
2. Make time to get reacquainted, make the call, send the text or email. Go out for brunch or a Braums. Set time out to visit with them. When I was growing up, on a random Saturday, my mom used to take us visiting. We would go to her sister’s or an uncle’s house and visit them. All they did was talk, all we did was go outside and play. So, it was a win for all parties involved. It’s been a few years. Make time to get reacquainted with them. You can also take about 15–30 minutes out of the day and practice on your gifts. Draw a little, sing a little, or dance a little. The more you do it, the better you feel.
3. Rebuild your reacquaintance, time has weathered away at the bridge, patch it up. Share new ideas and make new memories. I know it has been years, an it has been years ago. It’s ok to reminisce, but it is not ok to be in a time warp. Reliving, rehearsing, and rehashing the same old experiences. Move forward, add on to it, and do something new.
This is your time, yes it’s true, the place is familiar, and now it’s unfamiliar! But go back, get reacquainted with the people or your gifts. Take time out to do it, and rebuild! Talk to you later.
If you want me as a freelance writer for history, education, and religion let me know.
· Email: marqdcameron@gmail.com
Here are some books and ideas that may help
Best Books on Reconnecting with Relationships: https://amzn.to/4boo9sF (Amazon)
Love More Fight Less: https://amzn.to/3UVMfnI (Amazon)
Best Commentary on the Book of Jeremiah: https://amzn.to/3UM0xXH (Amazon)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, as an Amazon affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
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