There’s an old adage that says: “Life is hard; then you die.” That’s a pretty dark way of looking at life, wouldn’t you agree? Yet there’s some truth in it as well. I like to think of myself as a cautiously optimistic individual. I look for the lessons in every difficulty… mostly because I don’t wish to repeat them, so let me learn it the first go round. So when I encounter hardships, difficulties or challenges, I try my best to “see the way through” rather than be “overcome by darkness”. Sometimes though… it takes more than what I have within myself to “see the way through”… so I reach out to a friend, family member, or trusted counselor for a different perspective. Life is, on the whole, how you look at it… it is a matter of PERSPECTIVE, and often times, all it takes is just someone else looking at your problem to see the way through.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Troubling times can overwhelm even the smartest, wisest, and cleverest of us. Learning to deal with problems is all part of growing up, and it follows us (and challenges us) all the days of our life. BUT… IT DOESN’T HAVE TO DEFEAT US!! God gave us “community” right from the beginning. He saw that Adam needed a helpmate, so Eve was created. When they left the Garden of Eden, “family” was one of the first things that God gave them. None of us were ever meant to be alone. We are meant to help each other, love each other, and support each other in whatever way we can.
Jesus was once asked what the most important commandment was. He answered, saying: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:37-39)
We are not just commanded to love each other, but it is a necessity of life itself. Babies cannot flourish and develop properly without the love of an adult. Children cannot grow and learn without the attention and love of parents and adults in their lives. Adults cannot face all the difficulties of life without the love and support of family and friends. We’re MEANT to be together!
So today, on this day when we celebrate LOVE… reach out to someone who is alone. So many times, we think that we’re alone in the world. YOU can be that “someone” that reaches out!
And here’s the magical thing about being that “someone” who reaches out… YOU receive as much as you give! Don’t believe me? Give it a try! You’ll see! Happens EVERY time!
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