This caught my eye while searching for another passage that I was more familiar with. This action is also true in life. We give into the familiar and are uncomfortable to search out the unknown. But what we miss not going for this encounter with the unknown is challenging ourselves to share, grow and change, some of which can be painful and uncomfortable.
Last year, my girlfriend, Mary, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer which was very devastating for her and me. She is the third person this year in my group of friends that faced many decisions about her life after receiving this news. After many surgeries and treatment, we have come through this illness as closer friends. I am not sure that I would have gotten the opportunity to know her on a deeper, almost sisterly level if it were not for this life altering event. We first became friends when our daughters met at preschool. The girls have a very close bond, as sisters as both girls have no sisters of their own. Their relationship has blossomed as well during this time.
We are now focused on helping each other with goals to find the peace, love and grace in our lives. We do this with our friends, families and those we can seek out everyday. We walk every day outside if the weather is good and, if not, at a local mall early in the morning after dropping off our girls at school. We always say hello with a smile on our face and in our voice to other walkers and open ourselves to other strangers chatting like old friends. We are trying to extend ourselves in our community as caring women. There are so many lonely people in the world, and we just have to say hello and hope they will respond.
As the scripture tells us, power is perfect in weakness. So the next time life hands you lemons, make the lemonade and share it with all those who are willing to come over for a cup. There is always plenty of Peace, Love, and Grace to go around.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be your voice and extend your hands of Peace, Love and Grace to everyone today and tomorrow. Amen.
Kathleen Sleder
No comments:
Post a Comment