Looking outward, not inward

In our Adult Sunday School class today the discussion centered around doing for others. Some of the women were sharing their recent experience of serving Thanksgiving dinner at a local shelter/residence and what it had meant to them. The discussion turned to how we feel when we help others. These two women are older and do not have a lot of family around so the holiday times can be quite upsetting and lonely, but because of their service to others they avoided that trap and ended up sharing their own Thanksgiving dinner with each other.

As people who suffer, we know how debilitating loneliness can be. It is a trap that draws us downward into the gloom and leaves us feeling worthless or even worse, not feeling at all. There are times when we feel lonely even in a room full of people because of judgment and self-loathing. We will pull the mask tighter over our face to be certain that no one can see who we really are and hope beyond hope that we will not be called upon to join a conversation.

How we move forward is up to us. We need to challenge ourselves to do something, anything, in order to get started. Start with little things, small goals. Do something around the house that is achievable and then move on to something else and then with courage on to something for someone else. Can you pray? Can you write a note? How about a little bit of raking or shoveling for a neighbor ? Is that too much to ask? Each thing can be a stepping stone towards more ambitious ways to do things for others. When we get self absorbed everything goes out of balance and we suffer more. Prepare yourself for some small greatness by taking the first step today. Maybe you just need to get up, get a shower and dress that a big boy with no stretchy pants. It could be the start of something wonderful.