Friday From the Heart (on Thursday)...

Brushing the dust and cobwebs off of my keyboard and my writing brain, I sit here and feel so blessed that it has been so long since I have posted. Blessed because such a gap in posts means that so much life was being lived that there has been no time to document. And, that is okay. I have actually gotten to the point that my brain no longer starts the first paragraph of a post while I am in the middle of one of life's amazing moments. I am finding myself less and less thinking "ooh, that would be good on the blog".

There is so much good. So much. We have also been living in a few months of terribleness too but isn't that the stuff of life? We experience the good and the bad and we grow stronger. Stronger alone, stronger in our relationships and stronger with God. Life means something. It isn't a specific purpose made only for me that I am trying to find somewhere along the way. It is in the everything and everyday that we find ourselves in contact with the Sovereign God. In the middle of yuck, whatever it may be (and boy can it come from every direction sometimes),  He knows and He is sovereign. I have a list of people who I know need to KNOW that right now. They are on my list, and so I pray.

Life's a dance they say (and sing), but much of it can be in a minor key. I think of how the music changes when we watch movies and then we know...this isn't going to be good. So many are experiencing the minor keys right now. How can I help, what can I do from the sidelines? There are others who have asked that question too. I don't know that there is a correct answer to that. There are actually many different things to do on the sidelines. (and if you don't count prayer as one of the most important things, I hope that you can open your eyes to this most important thing). My hands tend to get busy in times like this. Some run to their kitchen and whip up freezer meals or scrumptious baked goods. How do I know? Because I have received some of the yummiest meals and baked goods when I have needed them. Some write beautiful cards and letters of encouragement, some stop by unannounced with hugs, some may also anonymously send money in the mail, or maybe a bouquet of flowers.

Most of the time, just being present and not running from the uncomfortableness of listening to some dark thoughts or fears coming from the people we care about is huge! That is what helps the depressed and the hopeless ones in the world. Not backing down or bowing out until the waters are calm again. Nobody needs people like that around in bad times, or in good for that matter.

I was looking for a good image to go along with my blog today and found these bleeding hearts. I have loved bleeding hearts since I was young. I would like to challenge my friends who may not be as comfortable in the adversity. There was a day when I certainly wasn't. Run toward those who need you. If you don't know what to do, ask God for a good idea. We often think of prayer for the people who are hurting, sick or dying but what would happen if we also prayed "Lord help ME to be a light and a help and a support when I am so unsure of what to do." God helps the one in adversity as well as those who want to help. So, if you don't know what to do, ask God. If you are looking for a special purpose, that is yours. To love, not in the good times but in the adversity and always seek Him when you are unsure.