Compassion is a word that I would say that I know. I would tell you that I show compassion to others willingly. However, I had an awakening this morning about what it feels like to be alone. (And it's not even what the sermon was about this morning) But I'm fully aware that God was teaching me something far different today.
First thing you have to know is that my husband is my best friend. He is my other half. He truly is the better part of me. We do so much together and honestly love being together whenever we can. Greg was not feeling well this weekend. He has had a cold all week and has just been feeling down and out. So he decided to stay home from church this morning. I was busy getting the girls and I to church. Then I helped with worship in first service so I didn't really notice anything out of the ordinary. Then 2nd service started and I had to find a seat for ONE. It felt strange. Like something was missing. Isabella sang in service with the children so there was a brief distraction and then back to the reality that Greg wasn't there beside me. I refocused and worshiped. Then the defining moment came in my morning. After service got over, I grabbed my stuff and started to put on my gloves and almost started to cry. There was no one there to talk with. There was no one there to laugh with or understand how my week has been. There was a feeling of being alone. Is this what it feels like? I thought of all those whose husbands are overseas right now. I thought of those who have lost loved ones or don't live close enough to see them. I thought of those who have had loved ones in the past but for whatever reasons don't have them anymore. And God immediately flooded my heart with compassion.
It's Christmas. A time of year when lonliness can overtake you. It is easy to be so focused on me and mine that I fail to see those around me. We are so blessed to be by both our families again. I am thankful for that gift. But God is reminding me to open my eyes and truely embrace those friends and family around me that are just trying to survive this Christmas. Those that are hurting and those that just need a friend.
So I have a challenge to all of you out there. Keep your eyes and your ears open to those around you this Christmas. Show compassion and God's love. Remember that it's tough to feel alone right now and the smallest smile or the short embrace of a friend can make all the difference. You never know how God will bless!
Fall is here!
11 years ago
4 comments:
Oh Stephanie this is how I feel every Sunday when I am sitting there by myself knowing that Steve is in Oregon working. Or every Wednesday when I am driving the kids to Awana by myself and then going to our couples Bible study by myself. Every night when I put the kids to bed and don't get to sit next to Steve on the couch and laugh about what happened that day. When I look at all that needs to be done around the house and think if I just had Steve here to help me. I'm so glad that this was just a one time thing for you. You've certainly had your share of ups and downs over the years.
Stephanie, what insight! I accept your challenge, and I'm going to try to do my best to bless other people who might be feeling alone.
Interesting...I'm teaching on compassion all month in our children's church. Yesterday, we talked about the fact that compassion requires action...just seeing a need isn't really compassion. Compassion is what you do when you see the need. God has showed you something...can't wait to see what you do with it as He presents opportunities...and you know He will!! Love you lots.
I know how you felt but I'm so glad you don't have to experience this often. :)
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