
by bathnbody @ webshots
I went on a semi-retreat this past weekend. I felt obligated since we had already made plans to go. I missed the funeral, but I have needed this for so long. That sounds selfish but it really isn’t because I need to get back to where I was before last June-or more like last FEB. I am (or was) a very giving person, but what happened to me knocked me completely off my axis. Until someone goes through this (something that I will not disclose here), one will not completely understand. Often we may go through bad times, but coming out of it gives us the insight and experience to take and use later in life to help others.
This retreat was a ladies event that was less structured than usual (I liked it!) that offered so much. It was impossible to participate in everything but we could take part in most things. There was a session on women’s health; there was a time for reflection and quiet meditation; a hand therapy session with lotion ideas and such (more about this later); a Bible study; a time for greeting card making and greeting card writing for service people overseas; and a redo book (more later, too) and such. In the short time we were there we got to take part in most of these things, play some games, sing some songs, worship, eat lunch, and visit with those we don’t get to see much. Not bad for a 4.5 hours, huh? It was very rejuvenating to the body, mind, and spirit! It is so important that all of these things be refreshed.
I think it is essential to give to others-we receive only because someone else gives. If no one is willing to give, no one will receive. A friend told this story in Sunday school this past weekend… She was in a store the other day with her adult daughter getting some things when a lady walked up asking if she knew where the Saran wrap was located. Someone working there had to help the lady and she was off to pay for her purchase. The friend and daughter finished with their shopping and were right behind her when the lady turned around and said that she was going to pay for their cart full of items and to put the checkbook away. They didn’t think she was serious, but they put everything up on the counter and the lady pulled out the money and paid about $75! She said that she was a cancer survivor and did this for people off and on because she wanted to give back to others.
I gave the challenge for everyone in our class to find people during the week that we do not know and do something for them and then suggested that we could continue through the rest of Lent. I usually have a project ready to take on but didn’t this year. Doing something for a complete stranger is not a new concept, but during times of financial crisis we tend to draw back into our shells trying to protect what we have. This idea doesn’t have to be money related-it can be the smallest thing, a service for instance. Doing for others is so important desiring nothing in return-the meaning of a true gift. Any attachment means it wasn’t a gift.
Happy Gardening and may we all do a better job of caring for the needs of others!
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