Time to care

I’m a pretty upbeat person, and I predict that most of these blog posts are going to be positive, funny, or at least me making fun of me and things I get myself into.  But sometimes everything just isn’t all rosy or can be poked fun at.  Illness, death, sad times, hard times, major challenges, moderate challenges, loss, mistakes, set-backs, disappointments, things that just make you say BUMMER…this stuff happens every day to all kinds of people.  No big epiphany there, right?

In the past two days I think I’ve gotten news about different friends and family that fits each of those said descriptions.  Sometimes the sh*t just hits the fan, doesn’t it?  I feel thankful that my rug isn’t being pulled from underneath me at the moment, but to hear about and see people who are dear to me struggling is tough, too.

I used to have a poster on my wall that read “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow”.  It is a quote from Helen Keller.  It sounds a bit pollyanna-ish, but coming from Ms. Keller I tend to read it more as a commentary on attitude.  Granted, sometimes the shadow simply just takes over the sunshine and no matter where you’re facing, you’re in it.  A somewhat non-helpful thing would be for me to quote this to my friends and family who are facing challenges right now, because when you’d like to see sunshine but can’t – you likely just wanna punch the quote-r in the face for saying that to you (or maybe something less violent).  Where am I going with this?  I am reminded that not all days are sunny for all people.  As a multi-sport athlete and employee, my days are packed and scheduled, but I can’t let those things always dictate.  I am reminded to make room for people.  Take the time to listen, to care, to say something genuine, or to just listen in silence but with comfort.

Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.  1 Corinthians 10:24

Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace. – Buddha

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it’s in your power to help them.  If you can help someone now, don’t say Come back tomorrow, then I’ll help you.  Proverbs 3:27