Hi, and welcome to Week Three!! If this is your first time visiting, you can find more info about this online group on the introduction post. If you decide you would like to officially join this online group, text me or send an email to kidsandfamilies@htumc.org and I will send you the coloring sheets and a reminder when next week’s video releases, and start your candy bag with a piece added for every time you contribute a comment to the discussion. If you would rather pick up a printed copy of the coloring sheets, let me know and I will help with that. Now, let’s reflect.
Discussion Questions
- Who has cared for you when you’ve been sad or struggling? How have they done that?\
- What is one way you’ve shown care for someone else?
Going Deeper
- Has anyone been “given” to you, like how Jesus gives these two to each other? What does that mean for your relationship with that person?
- When Jesus asks his mother and his friend to look toward each other, he’s instructing them, “this is where your attention should go.” If he were with us today, where do you think he might turn our attention?
2 Comments
There have been very few people in my lifetime that I have felt safe or comfortable enough with to share my sadness or struggling so I tend to try to work through things by myself and with prayers for companionship from God. However, just yesterday I was struggling with some strong feelings about a friend who had upset me, and I received a text from someone at Holy Trinity who made me feel better by affirming that my feelings were human and I was offered support and blessings and also some positive feedback about myself. It made such a difference!
I try to follow our General Rule of Discipleship by being compassionate to others. I send notes of encouragement, get well cards, deliver birthday cards to the residents in my building. I ask myself the question, what would I have wanted to receive from others when I was struggling (but didn’t get). It helps in my healing as well as letting others know I care about them.
God has brought people into my life at specific times when I needed them. Very few though have remained past the situation that brought us together. During those active times though, it is comforting to have someone to share with who understands and affirms me.
I don’t think anything would be different now from when Jesus first told us, Love God with all your heart, soul and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself. This is still the most basic Christian practice. But we need to do better at looking after each other.
Sending notes and cards is such a wonderful ministry. That kind of encouragement can be held onto for long after the immediate need. Quick texts and emails are great for that immediate attention needed. All are good and caring ways to be HERE for each other. I could be better at it, I certainly know a lot of people who could use an encouraging word right now!
I completely relate to your feelings of guardedness, although in my case I have become very open about sharing my struggles, and am more guarded about my expectations that others will understand or respond the way I hope. It is kind of like manna, where I trust I will get what I need and try to let go of the rest, but it IS hard. It is amazing how many others I have heard from who have struggled with the feelings of “belonging.” I think it is far more common to struggle with it than it is to feel “in.” Maya Angelou said, “You are only free when you realize you belong no place—you belong every place—no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great,” I am still getting there, but it helps me to realize that if she has felt that way, and if Jesus had to constantly work for people to understand him, that we are in good company.
Love God, Love others! <3