You're listening to Encounter, a simple daily podcast made possible by listeners like

you.

We hope to help you discover sacred moments in the middle of ordinary days.

If you would enjoy more seasonal and topical meditations, I encourage you to download

the encountering piece mobile app, where all of the meditations are free, as they should

be.

I've always been envious of people who can graciously accept constructive criticism.

And after 35 years of marriage, 30 years as a parent in 25 years in ministry, I have received

my fair share of blame, and usually all of it, justifiable.

By God's grace, He is still teaching me to receive negative feedback, even when it is entirely

accurate.

The moment I hear the words, my heart often begins to quicken, and my mind begins to

fill with defensive response and moments of anxious sorrow.

But again, by God's grace, He is helping me see that the gift of awareness I receive

from feedback often produces repentance that leads to improved actions and healing relationships.

But do you ever struggle to receive feedback from others?

Well, you're not alone, and you're safe here.

This meditation from 2 Corinthians chapter 7 is about the gift of repentance, the gift

of divine sorrow and becoming aware of moments to be more like Christ in your response.

But for now, begin your meditation by finding a place to be alone, quiet and still, a

retreat to be aware, and settle into a posture with your hands open to receive all that you

become aware of in this time.

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