I see the phrase “close the loop” all day while I am at work. The term means that, from beginning to end, I am responsible for going above and beyond for my customers. I strive to do what needs to be done to make this happen.
One hectic, crazy day, I looked down and there it was: close the loop. Like a flash, my thought went to “what does all this matter once the day is over? Does it change my life? Or anyone’s for that matter?” I can surely tell you, nothing in my job has any eternal significance.
Whoever claims to live in HIM must live as Jesus did. (…whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” 1 John 2:6) Was I living like Jesus? At that moment, I decided to become more intentional with the people around me. I had to ask myself, “how am I really doing in my personal relationships?”
Relationships are confusing and messy. For a self-proclaimed introvert, they can sometimes be downright exhausting. If my intent was genuine, I had to start somewhere. At the end of the day, when it is quiet, I began asking myself the questions listed below.
• Did I make a connection? Especially with my kids and husband. We get so busy in life, and that doesn’t always happen. If I am honest, they are the ones who usually receive the leftovers after a long day.
• Is my heart open to differences in other people? Did I make a kind gesture for someone in need? Did I offer a prayer, a visit, a kind word, etc.? Matthew 25:40 states, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
• Do people I meet know Jesus? Did I mention Jesus? Do they see Jesus in me? Jesus tells us In John 34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Am I doing enough for all, and am I really closing the loop? More often than not, I fall extremely short. And without even asking, I am given grace. It covers me as God knows my heart, and His grace is never-ending.
I laugh at myself nightly during my conversations with Jesus, as I know all of this is not obtainable in any sense on my strength. The only One can who do all of this, all the time, is Jesus. Let me tell you I believe this revelation has changed me in the last couple of months. I have received more from it than I could have thought possible even though I was doing it for others. My talks with Jesus have become more honest and allowed me to see myself in a whole new way.
When I am finally called home, do I want Jesus to say, “Well, she was a good employee and very dependable?” No! I want to hear His sweet words of “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Oh, my heart, now that sounds like really closing the loop to me.
Missy Burks
Guest Writer for
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#missyburksblogs
