Sarah Beth and Daniel climbed into their seats, and finally a waitress brought me a high chair for Rachel. As I sat there by myself, feeding Rachel her supper, I couldn't help but think, "I could be doing this at home." John finally arrived, and then another couple (who was later than we were) came and sat with us. They don't know it, but this couple redeemed the whole party for me.
I don't write this post looking for sympathy. I write it to remind you (and me!) that we need to be on the lookout this season (and always) for people who need some kindness. There are people in our churches and at our social functions who feel lonely and left out. As a family of believers, this should not be.
I am thankful that this happened to me last night because I hope that the next time I am in a similar situation, but on the other side, I remember what it's like to be alone. I want to remember so that I pick myself up out of my comfortable chair, my familiar setting, and my encouraging conversation, and go make someone else feel welcome. How hard is that? And yet how meaningful?
4 comments:
I am so so sorry that happened to you. You are so very right. We all need to be more helpful and kind.
Now, keeping it real....We love your church but we were out for 4 weeks due to all 4 of us being sick. One person came by market to check on us and one called. This is out of 400 members. Not the pastor or his wife or anyone else. My hubby sings in the choir, I lead a small group, our children attend a large Sunday school class that has not one but two teachers and are part of the Sonshine club. NOONE checked on them, NOONE! I was one upset Momma! So, that's my story...just keeping it real and praying for God's guidance.
Thanks for this post! love you sweet friend! Blessings!
Marva, I know! We are supposed to be a family, but sometimes it seems that we couldn't care less about each other. What does this say to the world about Christians? Why would they want to become one? As I write this, I know that I am judging myself, as well, because I often don't reach out to others like I should.
Oh Nikki I am so sorry. I am to blame for some of your pain and I feel horrible. When we found a seat the people we sat with said they were going to move over to your table and I discouraged them because I wanted to be sure that my daughter and husband got to sit with you all. I thought you'd enjoy their company more than us old fogies. I hate with all my heart that I opened my mouth and didn't remain quiet. My actions hurt you and I am so incredibly sorry. I am awfully shy and have never blogged or really exposed my feelings in public forms but I need to say: I would change that night if I could. Reading your blog this morning makes me see the need to push out of my comfort zone and make myself more available to others, as hard as that is for me personally to do. I hope you will find a little consolation from my reply as I learned from your blog today doing/saying nothing in fear of saying something wrong can in fact hurt more than saying nothing at all. I am truly sorry for my actions the other night. Kathy McManus
Thank you, Kathy, but I hope you don't beat yourself up over this. I have done the same thing, too, because it is much easier to do nothing. I certainly did not mean to condemn the people at the party; I have seen this happen at every church I have been a part of, and I have been guilty of it, too. My hope in writing this was that my readers would make an effort to befriend those around them, that just a little effort is all it usually takes.
I have had several responses via facebook about this post, and a lot of people seem to be appreciative of this post because it is so easy to forget what it's like to be on the outside...even for just a few minutes.
Thank you for finding my blog and leaving this comment.
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