Playing with Prepositions
prep·o·si·tion
/ˌprepəˈziSH(ə)n/
nounGRAMMAR
a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause, as in “the man on the platform,” “she arrived after dinner,” “what did you do it for ?”.
-Oxford Languages
Prepositions define relationships between things. As such, prepositions frequently show up in the language we use to relate to our work. Because our language shapes how we experience reality, it is important to be mindful of how we use prepositions. For example, how we use for and from can lead to very different results.
Case #1:
For the Sabbath vs. From the Sabbath
Recently, a close friend who runs Encounter Ministries in Los Angeles pointed out to me the difference between living for the Sabbath vs. from the Sabbath. In this usage, living for the Sabbath means trying to maximize the weekend by squeezing out every last drop of enjoyment before heading into the week. A recent example of this in my own life was staying up a little too late watching a show and wishing that the weekend were longer. In contrast, living from the Sabbath is peacefully settling into true rest and launching into the week renewed and energized. Another iteration of this is viewing Sunday as the first and most important day of the week, the one that sends you out to live your mission, as opposed to viewing it as the last day, your final chance to really live.
Case #2:
Getting Something From Someone vs. Being For Someone
A few years ago, I was intimidated about asking a certain woman out on a date. My coach asked me, “Are you relating to this as getting something from her (i.e. going on a date)?” I confessed that I was. Joe asked, “What would change if instead you focused on how you can be for her (i.e. how your way of being can be for her good)?” This question completely changed my experience.
When I focused on getting a yes from her, I was anxious and fearful. When I focused on how I could be for her, I felt peaceful and confident. Changing the preposition I used to relate to the challenge ahead redefined what I viewed as success. I centered my attention on being present to her and on making sure that she felt respected, independently of whether she said yes or no. Whether it is asking someone on a date, making a business pitch, or disciplining a child, adopting a posture of “being for” instead of “getting something from” can be a game-changer.
This week, I invite you to ask:
Am I living for the Sabbath or from the Sabbath? What can I do to move the needle in the direction of living from the Sabbath?
In what areas of my life am I relating to my requests as getting something from the other? What might change if I adopted a posture of being for the other instead?
God Bless,
Dan
