We can probably assume the same things about family; sometimes they are supportive and sometimes they aren't. Often, we can question whether we are rooting for each other or are questioning our own positions in life based off of others. There are periods of closeness and eternities of separation that exist among people that claim to love one another.
What these two examples have in common is distance amongst similarity. As human beings we are all experiencing the same feelings, just in a different order. Pain, loss, happiness, triumph, accomplishment, loneliness...it happens to all of us, just at different times in various milestones. It's not a competition because no two life paths are ever meant to be the same so to bother comparing is a waste of time. But the actual feelings we experience are the same. So I question why the separation, why the isolation, why the lack of support, competition, comparison and polarity? Why is all of this necessary? Maybe I'm just idealistic to think that we can be compassionate, understanding and supportive individuals even if we are different? The pain from the examples I mention lies in the fact that friends and family are supposed to treat you the best and yet they also have the ability to hurt you the most. It's not in how long you've known someone or in whether or not you have the same bloodline that makes a person supportive...its about choice in presence. How are you going to show up for your friend, or sister or mother today? What will you do today that matters to them instead of relying on the fact that your related or started a friendship 20 years ago.
That's not enough.
Healthy relationships of any kind are a give and take, where both participants are in the game. These days its tough to find kind and caring genuine soul that you trust. Even if you've grown to have a family or other interests, keep the ones who make the effort to show you love and who's hearts are pure, close to you; go out of your way to reciprocate to the friends who are positive forces in your life.
Those who are continously thoughtful by trying to fill others cups with support and love through what they go thru, need love and encouragement too. Most of us who are like this aren't being nice because we have to be or that we want a medal but because we find enjoyment out of seeing others happy and because we don't think its that hard to reach out and touch someone. The positive Polly's of the world stories also matter, so although they may not ask for help, ask for support, ask for you to talk, it's your job to reach out before they are running on "E", before they move on to find companions who give a little friendly reciprocation.
You can't blame us for moving on to surround ourselves with "birds of the same feather."
My Christian perspective is just that God is teaching me that the job you do by intentionally helping others is for me (God), not for them. This is because He made me with the desires of my heart. And whether or not they give back a single day of the years you gave, I see ALL, including your intention. "You don't need anyone, you just need me." "When you are weary, you turn to me and I will fill you."
1 Peter 5
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself, restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
hmh. Amen
xo Lori
