Habits. Some are good habits, others bad, but sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between those that are beneficial, not just to us but to others as well. Take washing one’s hands, especially after cleaning up a mess or even just taking care of ourselves. When the pandemic first began, we were told, wash our hands in warm water with soap for at least 20 seconds.
Really? We thought, 20 seconds? Isn’t that a long time? Not really when you get into the habit. For many of us, the pandemic shrunk our world and we got into the habit of not really engaging with others. We were fearful of the dreaded illness that killed so many people. Learning to re-engage does not mean throwing caution to the wind, but it does mean changing our mindset.
Learning to look outward, re-kindling those old friendships that atrophied as a result of our fear is something we must learn to do again. People really are not natural hermits; we need social relationships to help make us whole. That’s why in Genesis, the writer has God realizing that Adam needed someone else. We all do.
Prayer for the Day
Holy Friend, who made us to live with others on this earth,
You know how we need true friendship, especially in this time;
Release us from our fearful inward looking selves,
So we can become part of your community serving others.
Hold us, O Wondrous One, in the center of your heart,
Which opens us to your grace and strength.
In the name of the One who is our friend,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art.... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.
- C.S. Lewis, British religious writer, from The Four Loves (1898-1963)
I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.
- Helen Keller, educator, author (1880-1968)
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.
For if they fall, one will lift up the other;
But woe to the one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help.
Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-11