Thanksgiving means giving thanks or thanks for giving. We can look at the giving part of this word and be reminded that we all need to give to others. It is putting others first in our lives that gives us the most joy. I have never heard someone regret reaching out and being there for another person. Uplifting others is uplifting ourselves.
Although we do regret our little pity parties there are times when we just need to pull the covers up and pout. After a few minutes or a few hours this is just not comforting. Getting up and moving toward others who could use a hand, shoulder, or even a break moves us out of our own funk.
When our 1st adoption ended with the birthmother taking our precious 2 month old from my arms, I thought I would spend days under the bed in tears. A friend left a care package on our doorstep that consisted of his and hers kleenex boxes, a comedy VHS tape, and dinner. She reached out to us with her thoughtful noninvasive gift. For about an hour Ron and I held each other and wept. Then we dried our tears and called our friends to join us for a delicious dinner. Isolating is rarely the answer to healing. Within weeks we were helping others who had lost a child through adoption or miscarriage. Support groups work because we all need to give to others who have experienced similar losses. I know it helped us through that lonely time.
Guess you could say the most selfish thing you can do is unselfishly do for others. Give thankfully, during this time of year and all year. You will be more rewarded than those who benefit from your kindness.
In Him,
Joyful
10-17-11
Although we do regret our little pity parties there are times when we just need to pull the covers up and pout. After a few minutes or a few hours this is just not comforting. Getting up and moving toward others who could use a hand, shoulder, or even a break moves us out of our own funk.
When our 1st adoption ended with the birthmother taking our precious 2 month old from my arms, I thought I would spend days under the bed in tears. A friend left a care package on our doorstep that consisted of his and hers kleenex boxes, a comedy VHS tape, and dinner. She reached out to us with her thoughtful noninvasive gift. For about an hour Ron and I held each other and wept. Then we dried our tears and called our friends to join us for a delicious dinner. Isolating is rarely the answer to healing. Within weeks we were helping others who had lost a child through adoption or miscarriage. Support groups work because we all need to give to others who have experienced similar losses. I know it helped us through that lonely time.
Guess you could say the most selfish thing you can do is unselfishly do for others. Give thankfully, during this time of year and all year. You will be more rewarded than those who benefit from your kindness.
In Him,
Joyful
10-17-11
thank you for being a 'Barnabus' for the many who are hurting... may God continue to bless you joyously
ReplyDeleteDo you know Ann Voskamp's blog/A Holy Experience?
Just wondering as it has been a great encouragement to me
What a great post today! And I thank you so much for coming over and reading mine and stretching your hand out to ME! I have to agree with you ---- it is when I reach out to others that I find the most joy in my life. Thanks for such an encouraging post today. Just perfect!
ReplyDelete