It had been a day. A day of keeping the gate.
Gatekeepers can get a bum rap. They can be seen as gruff, stern, unforgiving, and waving a sword at anyone who dares to approach! But what I’ve found in the past several years, is that gatekeepers are more of a linebacker / fuzzy blanket combo.
Ask any running back and they will tell you that getting past a linebacker is like getting through a wall. Simply with their presence, they bring solid, immovable defense. They don’t have to be mean or wave swords. They just have to BE who they are – a linebacker. As an Executive Assistant, I have times when I have to plant my feet with a smile on my face and BE. Immovable. Steady. Planted. For the few who believe that a running attack is the best approach toward a gatekeeper, they eventually come to realize that honest, respectful conversation is so much more effective. And it is in that moment that this linebacker gets to break out the fuzzy blanket.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15
Usually, the gate-stormers are hurting and frustrated. They fully believe that they have tried everything else and storming the gate is the last chance they have. To get through. To be heard. To be helped. At this point in their pain, they are willing to create messes because they are convinced that they know best who can help them and are willing to do whatever it takes to get to that person.
As a gatekeeper, it is my responsibility to anticipate their next move, block a sneak attack (with love), and redirect their energy to an honest conversation. With conversation, I get to hear the need behind the action – the why behind the approach. And 99% of the time, I get to be the person who demonstrates the love of Jesus to the headstrong – like a fuzzy blanket – and connect them to the person who truly can best help them.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
It isn’t an easy task. Gatekeepers are often misunderstood and go home at the end of the day with a little more mud than their counterparts. But the gatekeepers also know the joy of seeing hearts softened, eyes relit with hope, and grateful tears fall. Gatekeepers have the responsibility of partnering with the Holy Spirit to listen and discern the true need hidden beneath the mud. Gatekeepers are patient, wise, and humble. Gatekeepers hear the real message behind the words being used. Gatekeepers highly esteem the needs of others. And when we walk out the responsibilities of this office in the love He has given us, we experience the joy of hearing our Father’s whisper to all of us….
You are adored.
You Are Adored 