Today was rather uneventful in terms of a spectacular Christmas 365 event…but it was still a good and blessed day. I looked forward to tonight because a friend and I coordinated a women’s social group where we can come together, talk, laugh, cry if we need to…and all while eating dessert. What’s not to like about that?! Anyhow, tonight was our first meeting and I was excited about it all day. My Christmas 365 thoughtful/mindful gesture was that I didn’t want anyone left behind so I tried to be aware of who may need a treat and I would make that treat happen. I’m sad to say no one needed it…but I was ready nonetheless…but that’s not the important thing.
We met at 7 p.m. at a restaurant and all the ladies were so, so excited as it had been a long while since we had all met together in a social setting where we didn’t have to do anything but just enjoy each other’s company. We sat and ordered…and then the talking began. As this group also has the purpose of life-issues mentorship through chatting, we decided that we would each share where we are in our lives, what season we are going through and if people had a suggestion or wisdom to share, they could. Oftentimes it was just nice to receive sister-love if you know what I mean! Anyhow – we are all different ages and all in different stages of careers, marriages, parents, children, etc…but what we do have in common is our love of the Lord and a deep respect and admiration for each other.
After some silliness and much laughter (you know who you are!), these friends began sharing their hearts and I was filled with compassion. These are ladies that I see often…but I had no idea of the struggles and/or issues some of them are dealing with. Don’t get me wrong – it’s not like we were a bunch of basket-cases weeping and carrying on about our misery...we weren’t! It’s just that I see most of these ladies at least once a week and seriously had no clue about some things. And I think I’m observant and in-the-know but boy was I ever wrong and it goes to show you, in my opinion, how very little we actually pay attention to others…even others we see on a regular basis.
What became readily apparent was how very important it is to feel connected to others and to feel like you have a web of support. Some friends shared some pretty worrisome issues they had dealt with such as sick parents or sickness in themselves and what got them through was their connections and support from others. Then there were the friends that felt like although they were surrounded by people all day long, they were completely alone…no one to really care, no one that really knows their heart, no one that takes an active interest in their lives. The word “loneliness” was used on several occasions…and I think it is amazing that we truly are surrounded by a sea of people at any given moment and yet people still feel alone. Wow! But on second thought, it really isn’t that surprising considering all the opportunities we have to disengage from others what with TV, smart phones, computers, and plain ole busy-ness.
So what to do, what to do?
Mother Teresa said, “It is easier to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us. It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved in our own home. Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start.”
What a wise lady that one was… Her words are so, so true. If we all focused on making sure that those in our closest proximity were loved, valued and taken care of – if we ALL did this – all our love-cups would be full and we would go about with light spirits sharing of the abundance within our hearts. We would all be givers instead of takers…and yet we would all be receivers, too. And what amazing transformation would occur in our homes, our cities…our nation and the world if we behaved this way? Yes – I am an idealist…but what if?
A ripple begins with one single drop that spreads forever forward…
You know…I get so tired sometimes... I have a lot going on in my life. Full-time work, full-time family and household, always seem to be planning/coordinating something for someone…an event, an outing, a gesture, this blog…but for Jesus in me, I would be insane and bitter and angry. I bet Jesus felt that way sometimes…but He would always see His sacrifice as worth the other person’s benefit. Most people reading this (I think) are believers called to reflect more and more of Jesus and less and less of ourselves. Are we ready? Are we ready to live sacrificial lives in the knowledge that if enough of us take on this challenge, amazing transformation is possible and at the end, we will be receivers of the bounty within those that we have filled? Are we ready?
So after tonight, I’m on the lookout for the lonely…and the sad thing is that I know of two lonely people that live right next to me. They never had children and they are both in their 80s. They have ill-health, they are at times grumpy…and as I’m not particularly fond of them, I have avoided them often. Nice, huh? I think sometime this week, I will find a reason to connect with them and report back what happened.
Will you do the same? Will you find someone that you can brighten up their day? If you choose to be a ripple, will you let me know? Encouragement is always lovely!
Until tomorrow…
Annie
This is really good, especially the point you made about a drop.
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