It was from Troas (which is in Asia) that "the Spirit of Jesus" and a vision from a man in Macedonia directed Paul to take the Gospel across the Aegean Sea to Europe (i.e. Macedonia is in Europe). It changed the course of history as Paul set foot on the European continent to proclaim the good news.  One of my favorite stories in the Bible happens in Troas where we spent time yesterday. 

In Acts 20:7-12 we read that Paul started talking to a gathering and since he was only going to be there one night, he kept talking until midnight. There was a young man named Eutychus who was sitting in an open window and as Paul kept talking “on and on”, Eutychus fell into a deep sleep. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground and was picked up as dead. Paul went down and threw himself on the young man and said, “Don’t be alarmed, He’s alive!” The crowd was comforted.

I like the story not only because it reminds me of the healing power that Paul has and that we have, but it also reminds me that I am often guilty of talking too much. When I am anxious or afraid of being misunderstood, I keep rattling on, hoping that something will make sense and grab my hearer’s attention. I noticed in my youth that first dates would always be fully occupied with stories about me.

In Proverbs 10:19, we read, “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues,” and in Ecclesiastes 5:7: “Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.”

This year I chose three words to meditate on each day, hoping to form lifelong habits: Gratitude, Simplify, and Learn. This year I’ve learned to not overwhelm people with my words, but instead to be grateful for their stories.

This photo is from the pier where Paul would have disembarked the boat when he first set foot on land at Troas. It was after dark when we finally arrived. 

Blessings, my friend,
gatha