FIND THE BLESSING

The sharing here this week is a result of listening to a friend of mine, over coffee recently, sharing an experience she encountered.  We were trying to understand and process the how and whys of it.  In fact, she suggested it might make an interesting write up, so here goes…..

 

Have you ever been in a situation when you felt like you needed someone to share a burden or even a personal prayer request with?  Where you were just at a breaking point feeling overwhelmed dealing with heartbreaking circumstances?

Naturally, your thoughts turned to some long time friends or people, you were there to support during their time of trials, figuring they were people you could share your burden with.  Though it was hard to share since you are a fairly private person, you finally put it out there only to have those people not end up giving you any support!  The people did not even respond with a simple  “I’m sorry” when it would have been a very aproros  acknowledgement; instead they just changed the subject and shared about their issues.

 

 

Something like that can hurt us deeply and potentially even scar us from thinking we can share with others again.  We may even be left wondering why are we spending time with these people when they are not there to support us when we need it most.  What is the point of the friendship?

My friend was really feeling down about the reactions from the people she shared with and as we were lamenting about it, she finally concluded that moving on from the hurt of the unsupportive people was in order.  She said she needed to dwell on the positives of the encounter she would soon be facing…to find the blessing there.

There are people she will be directly in contact with related to the situation where her energy could be focused enjoying their company and families.

 

 

My prayer is that these thoughts this week may encourage you to…

…be sensitive to someone who might be in need of a caring spirit

…think about your willingness to listen or pray with someone who is reaching out

…try to offer encouragement to people who are struggling who might be reaching out to you.

…forgive those who have failed you or hurt you.

…think of other’s needs before yourself.

 

As we were just reminded of counting our blessings having celebrated Thanksgiving this past week may these thoughts serve as a reminder to ….

…always look for the brightness even in the worst of situations.

…look for the blessing that God is providing even if it is the littlest thing.

…even when others let you down, find the positive.

…continue to do what you are called to do; to reach out to others in encouragement or prayer, even if you don’t receive those things.

 

Now I tell you to love each other, as I have loved you.   –John 15:12 (CEV)

Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry.  –James 1:19 (GNT)

And look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.   –Philippians 2:4 (GNT)