Make me a channel of your peace
Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there's sadness, ever joy...
~ Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
We've had a tradesperson caulking exterior windows and doors at our home. I'll call him Sam.
Sam professionally kept his distance, staying outside, no matter how cold. He refused any offers of comfort. He prides himself on not being a burden to his clients and his work is exceptional.
Last week on his way to our property he had to turn around and go home due to a personal problem. When I expressed my hope that all was well, he sincerely apologized for cancelling last minute and left it at that.
On the second day on-site, Sam had a great chat with our son Christian. He said that he had five children and one loves art. Christian is a professional artist. He was able to answer Sam's thoughtful questions on how to help his son develop his talent and gave one of his self-published books.
On the fourth day, Sam finally accepted my offer of coffee and homemade treats. In a brief chat about current affairs, he asked me when I thought the pandemic will be over?
While I wanted to provide hope, I was at a loss to find the right words. He chimed in as I paused stating that he believes women (momma bears) will save the day.
As a mother and soon-to-be grandmother, I was left wondering how best to make a difference.
How can I shed some light where there is darkness? How can I bring hope where there is despair? How can I influence change for the better?
All I've been doing lately is sharing my thoughts in writing and volunteering my time to whoever reaches out in need.
What to do?
Sharing is caring.
Making a difference need not be cumbersome. A simple act of kindness to yourself or others is contagious. It has a ripple effect.
People need to feel heard. When the opportunity presents itself, listen. It may not be easy. You may have nothing in common but listen anyway.
Refrain from seeing others as part of the problem when they have made choices dissimilar to yours. Have compassion. There is no need to offer solutions or to add stories of demise. Glimmers of hope help.
Take advantage of any opportunity to share a resource. But offering solutions is not necessary. Just listen and reflect.
When it becomes apparent that someone is living in fear of being infected, and sees you as a potential threat, treat them with compassion. Become less threatening.
There is a place for standing up for what we believe is right. But recognize that we cannot change someone else's beliefs with soundbites. Sadly, the directives that interfere with debating treatment options suppress critical thinking and discourage curiosity.
We can become the change we want to see in others. Proactively taking action to maintain our health will inspire others to do the same.
Seek good news and disseminate widely.
Concluding thoughts
We need to look for glimmers of hope and be prepared to share as needed.
It turns out that Sam is like-minded. The well-being of his family and friends is his primary concern. His children are homeschooled but this year two asked to join friends in elementary school. While Sam had reservations, it was their choice to make.
Sadly, he has lost work colleagues and friends to opioid addiction. Physical pain from injuries at work lead to prescriptions for pain killers. For some, addiction follows. Trips from doctor to doctor to seek a prescription or even steal the prescription pad are common. When doctors don't come through street drugs are sought. Fentanyl overdose killed someone he cares about. I was able to share my thoughts on why certain pain killers can be so addictive and resources that may help.
Human connection and compassionate communication help elevate mood. Setting the intention to brighten someone's day can have a ripple effect on our collective well-being.
I leave you to reflect on Saint Francis of Assisi's prayer.
Make me a channel of your peace Where there is hatred let me bring your love Where there is injury, your pardon Lord And where there's doubt, true faith in you
Make me a channel of your peace Where there's despair in life let me bring hope Where there is darkness, only light And where there's sadness ever joy
Oh, master grant that I may never seek So much to be consoled as to console To be understood as to understand To be loved as to love with all my soul
Make me a channel of your peace It is in pardoning that we are pardoned In giving to all men let we receive And in dying that we're born to turn around
Oh, master grant that I may never seek So much to be consoled as to console To be understood as to understand To be loved as to love with all my soul
Make me a channel of your peace Where there's despair in life let me bring hope Where there is darkness, only light And where there's sadness ever joy
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