A Day for Connecting (12/15/2023)

Yesterday I had coffee with a friend in the morning, and then in the evening, my husband and I went to the neighborhood holiday party. I must admit that by bedtime, my smile was so broad my ears hurt. There is something wonderful about time spent with friends and loved ones, catching up, sharing plans for the future, and encouraging one another at that juncture of the journey. It just affirms what I mention to others all the time, this journey was never meant to be a solitary trek.

We didn’t accomplish anything “noteworthy.” We didn’t discover an eighth continent or a medical breakthrough; however, I think we all left better than we came, assured of the care of another along the way. Taking time to just “be” with another, to share the journey, to share personal struggles, to receive loving support and encouragement bring far greater reward than usually expected. It makes sense that we who believe in the LORD, the GREAT I AM, the all-present, feel most ourselves when we are lovingly present to another.

As I reflected upon yesterday, I realized that when I reach out beyond myself to another, I actually feel more “myself.” I saw that in caring for another in the moment, in seeing, truly seeing, another and focusing on the other, somehow who I am comes into sharper focus.  And as I sat with the LORD on the porch in prayer before I retired for the evening, I thanked the LORD not only for the day but for those who shared the journey with me that day.

And then I told the LORD, “I saw you in the face of the proud mother, of the concerned and loving spouse, of the daughter caring for an older parent struggling with physical challenges.” I ended by saying simply, “Thank you, LORD, I needed today.”

During this season of light, let us remember that many are struggling in darkness. As we celebrate the great holy day representative of the LORD’s great and transformative love for us, let us remember that there are many struggling from the wounds of hatred in the world. And while we are hearing the refrains of seasonal songs that stress peace and hope, let us remember that there are those struggling in war torn areas of our world or fighting their own battles searching for hope. And let us seek to bring Christ to one another; let us seek to live Christ in all our moments, most especially these during this most blessed season.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.