I had a pity party yesterday. I was the guest of honor. In fact, I was the only guest. That’s the way it is with these types of parties. The main course was fear with a side dish of frustration. Let’s just say that the whole affair was rather unappetizing.
Thankfully, I have people in my life who lovingly set me straight.
As I cried on their shoulders (metaphorically—not literally), they reminded me of things I already know but sometimes need to hear again.
I am loved.
Distance and time are not good indicators of togetherness.
There is always hope.
And, seriously, if this is as “bad” as it gets (for me—regarding the virus), why I am complaining?
You, my readers, probably get tired of “hearing” me whine. I would like to apologize, but sometimes, I get the impression that my honesty strikes a nerve. Maybe I am not the only one having pity parties? Maybe you are as well.
If so, I want you to know that you are not alone. I want you to know that it’s OK to grieve. There is a time and place to grieve lost opportunities, lost moments, and lost dreams as much as lost loved ones. It’s OK to sometimes be sad, even when others don’t understand or relate. But I also want you to know that there comes a time when you have to wipe your face, get off your butt, and host another kind of party.
Yesterday, I cried. Today, I found joy. I found joy in getting my mind off myself and intentionally trying to reach out to other people. Today, I decided that instead of texts or calls, I would send cards. As I did so, I pulled out my big box of greeting cards. These cards were given to me by my friend, Shannon, after her mom, Mrs. Ann Grace, died.
When Mrs. Ann was battling cancer, I wanted to encourage Shannon. I knew that what Shannon needed most was to know that her mom was going to be OK. I obviously couldn’t do anything about Mrs. Ann’s cancer, but I could do something. So, I began sending Mrs. Ann cards, usually about once a week. During the year and a half or so that she battled her disease, I was able to get to know her and eventually spend some time with her. Getting to know this sweet woman was such a blessing to me.
I found out later that Mrs. Ann loved sending cards to people. In fact, that had been part of her ministry as a pastor’s wife. So, after she passed away, Shannon gave me her box of unsent cards, cards she had collected and kept to eventually be sent to others.
Today, I searched through that box to find a sympathy card for a friend whose brother-in-law had passed away. I found a “just thinking of you” card to send to someone whose family has suffered through a few losses recently. And I pulled out a very special birthday card for a little girl who is getting ready to turn nine. As I began to write and address those cards, my thoughts began to take a different turn. Instead of concentrating on what I have lost or what I might lose, I began to consider what all I have that I might be able to give.
The mission of The Girls Get Together is to help encourage women and to help them grow in their relationships with the Lord and each other. Today, God reminded me that this virus cannot keep me from fulfilling that mission. In fact, it may present even more opportunities to do so. Other women may, in fact, be like me, needing more encouragement than ever.
In the book It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, Lysa Terkeurst wrote, “It’s our choice whether we stay stuck in our hurt or get renewed in our hearts.”
I can’t guarantee that I won’t get stuck again, but I promise you this. As often as I get stuck, I have a God who is faithful to pull me out, dust me off, and set me on the right path.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
Today, God reminded me that to achieve a different outlook, I have to stop looking inward. I need to look upward and outward instead.
Yesterday, I had a pity party.
Today, I opt to praise.
Special Opportunity: As I mother, I know that one of the best ways to encourage me is to do something kind for my sons. I’m sure that many mothers of “littles” are starting to go stir crazy right now. During this time of social distancing, there isn’t much I can do to give you a break, but I can do something for your children. Children love to get mail. I also have a large stash of stickers, construction paper, art activity sets, and other craft materials leftover from when my boys were young. If you would like me to send your child something in the mail, please email or private message me the child’s name, age, and address. If he or she has a particular interest, please let me know. If you have an elderly parent or grandparent who would like to receive a card, you can message me his/her address as well.