Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Prov 3:27 (NIV)
A few months back, I was watching my 5yr old son in a swim class while my daughter was busy making friends with EVERYONE at the pool. She walked up to one group of mums and said, “Hello, I’m Breezy…” I was expecting them to smile at her and say “Hi” back… but no. They stared at her blankly then returned to their conversation. But my daughter persisted. She said “Hi” again. But as persistent as she was in her greeting, they were persistent in silence…And she left the group unsatisfied.
What makes us withhold ourselves from certain people? Someone smiles at us and we pretend we didn’t see, or someone asks for help and we lie to escape the inconvenience… we’ve all done it, right?
Lack of trust, busyness, our list of important todo’s to check off before dinner, offence, abuse, sickness, tiredness… these all contribute to the walls we put up around our hearts to keep others out and ourselves protected. We have fences to divide our houses and land, but now these fences are rarely crossed… neighbours are strangers, shop assistants are nameless, toddlers that say “hello” at the local pool are annoying… there’s a sneaky disconnection infiltrating our culture.
Brené Brown says in her audio series “The Power of Vulnerability“,
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
The ability to be open, to tell the truth about ourselves (not point it out in others), to extend love and kindness is within all of us… It's in these seemingly small and simple acts that the power to change the world thrives.
Let your guard down… it’s not doing you any good. Disconnection only ushers in dryness, selfishness and a deep sense of loneliness. Yeah, you may avoid getting hurt. You may get home earlier, you may have time to watch your favourite TV show… but you miss out on the depth and richness of life in community. Belonging.
Reach out, smile, help, extend your arms, embrace and care… Don’t withhold the good that you have within yourself from others… it may be the very thing that helps them see the good in themselves, in the world and in God.
[vcex_image_grid columns=”3″ pagination=”false” thumbnail_link=”custom_link” link_title_tag=”true” custom_links_target=”_blank” overlay_style=”title-category-visible” columns_gap=”5″ img_hover_style=”fade-out” image_ids=”20934,20935,20937″ custom_links=”https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1239768002?pt=118656308&ct=blog%20footer&mt=8,https://www.pktfuel.com/dailyemail,https://www.pktfuel.com/support” img_height=”350″]