I wonder then why I worry when friendships are blocked or there is no visible pathway ahead? Do I expect that everything will be okay all of the time? What do I fear when difficult conversations need to happen?
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| When are my relationships thorny? |
In those moments of conflict and uncertainty, what would happen if we took a longer look at the expansiveness of our lives: past challenges and accomplishments; the failures and the successes; people we don't understand and those who accept us? Rather than solely focusing on the current crisis of friendship and its uncharted territory, The Long View might allow us a moment to re-balance our thoughts and emotions: the immediate anger, fear, and sadness may be seen through renewed optics of past love, peace, and joy.
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| How might I look broadly at a situation? |
As I watched and listened to the stories of this week's California wildfires, I was overwhelmed with the tragedy of the moment... and the triumph of the human spirit. Stories of narrow escapes and deaths were heart-wrenching. Heroic efforts to save lives brought tears. Glimpses of people opening their homes, offering clothes and food, donating blood and money brought hope. Neighbors and strangers were coming together to rebuild lives shattered.
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| Can I come together in times of difficulty? |
Much has been written and reported about ongoing divisions in our communities: current fears stoked by political and ideological differences, diverse cultural backgrounds, and people escaping violence and abuse. Maybe we need to migrate to a new way of thinking, shifting from reactions based in anxiety to responses emanating from human empathy and concern.
Questions to consider:
- Who needs assistance and support?
- How can we come together and rebuild?
- What can we offer freely to create bridges of healing?
May this week invite moments for giving thanks: for what we have; for what we can offer; and for ways to come together.
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| Larry Gardepie
(click on link for website)
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