Children being murdered…at school.
Families fleeing Russian missiles in Ukraine.
Right now life isn’t going very well for someone I love.
I miss my family and feel alone…
Today life seems dark, discouraging, hopeless. A cloud of sadness descends on my chest making it hard to function.
I must pull myself together to do ONE THING—something to help another person. The way I lift my load is to lighten the burden of another.
I recall the first time this lesson rescued me. One Sunday I returned home from church to eat lunch. In earlier years Sunday was a family day and an opportunity to get together with friends at restaurants. Now, on my own, new to a big city and a newcomer to a tiny downtown church, that was no longer my life. On this particular day, my losses fed a grief that threatened to undo me. Sadness made it difficult to breathe.
I knew I had to do something—quick. A posting in the Sunday bulletin came to mind. The church was furnishing an apartment for a single mother with children who was coming out of homelessness. A list of needed furniture and necessities comprised a plea for help from members.
Ta da! I had 2 bed frames in my dingy basement, left from previous tenants. Immediately I called the contact number in the bulletin. A young man answered and said they’d be right over to pick up the frames.
My darkness lightened a little.
I grabbed notepaper and made a list of people I could reach out to. What about the guy next door who climbed through my basement window when I locked myself out? I gathered ingredients to bake him chocolate chip cookies.
My niece, a freshman in college and away from home for the first time, might need some support. I’d call her cell and talk to her or leave a supportive, encouraging voicemail.
My list lengthened and by the end of the day fresh hope replaced the darkness.
What about today? This moment?
I remind myself that if I’m suffering I can be sure someone else is struggling too. A person I know or who is connected to me online. I need to reach out…help them…give encouragement…tell someone what Ive learned—while I’m doing it.
You may be at a low point and you’re asking, Why? Why keep trying?
Here’s why:
-Because this precious world, created by God, isn’t restored yet. All things will be made new, but we’re not there yet.
-As long as you and I are alive, we are works in progress who have good gifts to give. We’ve been gifted to give.
-Because people hurt and can be encouraged by the smallest act: opening the door for someone, letting the driver go before you, waiting for a pedestrian to cross and wave “hello” to them. You can check in with people you haven’t talked to in a long time. Ask them about themselves and just listen. Write a thank you or note of encouragement to a person in your present or your past. Pray for people and, if appropriate, let them know.
You and I can do small things that might make a huge difference to another person.
Today my small thing is writing this blog post.
What’s yours? I’d love to know: gloriabethrose@gmail.com