Everyday you associate with
someone who could use some encouragement to overcome hopelessness. Perhaps it’s
someone quite close to you: a spouse, grandchild or neighbor. It’s important to
reach out with love, support and a listening ear. Not condemning, but trying to
understand that person’s viewpoint. Without hope for a better day or overcoming
a particular trial, be it health issues, depression or old age concerns, life
can look bleak.
Retirement
years can offer the opportunity to reach out with love and understanding to
those especially in care centers or struggling with their last days in hospice
or fighting cancer. There is no lack of people to bless with your friendship
and time. Even an email across the miles can touch hearts.
Interestingly
enough, as you reach out to others suffering from loneliness, loss of a loved
one or other trials, your own life is enriched. There are many needs to be met
with just a dose of friendship or a few minutes of focused listening. The
return or payback is unlimited. You will feel more hope in your own life.
Grandchildren
have a way or restoring hope as
do cherished pets. The unconditional love they express so freely is an example
to emulate in your life. Not judging or condemning, loving regardless of
personality quirks or misdeeds. All religions teach charity: to love and serve
each other regardless of race, gender or other traits, reaching out to lift the
poor and needy. The new Pope Francis of the Catholic Church is certainly a
great example to all of us regardless of our religious persuasion. Do unto
others as you would have them do unto you is still a GOLDEN RULE to follow in life.
Having
just had a visit from my youngest grandchildren, I can still feel the trust and
love that came while holding the small hands of my three year old grand daughter. 
Grandchild of Mine
Your tiny hand gently grasps
my wrinkled hand
with trust,
gifts me with hope for continuing
our legacy of family love.
We are links in a chain. I came first
blazing a trail alone
through
difficult trials of faith
and stumbling blocks.
One day, your hand will
hold
a smaller hand tenderly.
I will be gone, but the love
we share will
be remembered.
NEXT TIME: Paradigm Shift.