Saturday, January 18, 2014

Outside of Yourself


It's Friday.  Where hundreds of writers come together every week over at the lovely Lisa-Jo Baker's blog to spend five minutes writing about one thing.  One word.  No hyper-editing.  No getting in your own way.  Just writing, flat out.  The most important rule: encourage the writer who linked up before you.  Won't you join us?



Today's word: Encouragement

GO:

I wasn't expecting the knock on the door that afternoon in mid-September when the Utah leaves were just beginning to turn the vibrant shades of orange and red. I almost didn't answer it. But when I peeked out, there was my new friend standing there, goodies in hand for the new mom, her own two kids standing on either side of her.

The new mom. That was me. And although I wasn't sure what day it was and couldn't remember the last time I actually slept and was feeling pretty embarrassed by the fact that I was still in my p.j.s at that hour, I let her in. My deep seeded need for human contact, adult contact, any type of contact, really, was so loud it ached.

Although I tried to make excuses why I needed to stay at home, to clean or do dishes or something, she got me out of the house. In to the bright sunlight and the brisk fall breeze. And as I began to walk, I felt better. Exhausted, but alive.

It takes a special kind of person to see outside themselves, even for just a moment, and take off the blinders of everyday life. To not worry about everything in any given day of the week and to reach out, to see what's in the peripheral, to see the woman right beside them who is lonely, weak, and in need of encouragement.

I thank God that on that September day, my dear friend extended her hand during my time of need.

STOP.



4 comments:

  1. This is wonderful. You've really encouraged me to look out for someone who needs a visit, a helping hand.

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    1. Thanks for stopping here, Laura! It's amazing how far a little encouragement can go.

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  2. Thank you. I love this story and it reminds me that I haven't been doing so great in this area.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Kristi. I'm so grateful each day is a new beginning.

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