While I personally had a pretty darn good week, a lot of people around me have not faired so well. My sister and her husband dashed off to the Netherlands as a result of the doctors finding a large tumor in his mom’s upper stomach area. They had planned to go next month for her birthday but this emergency resulted in an immediate change of plans.
My sister-in-law is also having a tough time of it. I called to chat with her but it was really a hard day for her so I will try again tomorrow. But she is having many difficult days since my brother died in March. I know how much he meant to me so I can’t even begin to imagine how hard his loss is for her. It is so hard when you feel so powerless to do anything to help.
Several other friends have had a pretty tough week and at least for them, since I am in close proximity, I can join them, listen to what they have to say, provide any insight I may have into their situations but most importantly just share my love.
I noticed that when I am having a tough time of it, if I just tell my husband or a friend about what I am feeling, if I just get a big hug in return, there is nothing that is more helpful. Just to know that another person cares and is willing to give a part of themselves to us as their efforts to help and support us makes all the difference. When not in close proximity, I always pick up the phone to find out how the other person is doing just to let them know that I care. And they always know that extra prayers are coming their way and I am always there to listen should they choose to share their situation.
I have also noticed that there are a lot of others around me at these times that are having a tough time of it because of the current financial situation. I really feel badly for those who are in a crunch not because of crazy spending and debt because of their having to buy stuff but those who have been doing their very best and have been struggling from paycheck to paycheck for some time. Although I am not in a financial situation to help in a monetary way, I let them know that I am there for them and that I will do anything that I can to be there for them especially if their situation goes from bad to worse.
It seems that so many people are just feeling so helpless with regard to their personal situation and don’t know where to turn for help or encouragement. If we just let them know that someone is there for them, that someone cares about them and loves them dearly, it does make a difference in their lives. That is the very least that each of us can do.