Going through it

I swear right now everyone I know is going through something... death of a loved one, fourth-stage cancer with complications, possibly career ending injury, sick pet, surgery, car problems, sick baby, diarrhea lettuce, estranged family.... everywhere I look there is TRAUMA and the temptation to fall into despair is STRONG.

I intend for this blog to be encouraging, but I can't really guarantee I will get there. Here's what im learning:

1. Give it a minute. All of this does eventually pass. These rapid boils... they do simmer down. Plant your feet. Take a deep breath. Just endure until the toughest part until the storm passes you by.

2. Grace and space. (I stole this phrase from my work friend Kathy.) Everyone around me needs grace and space to work through their stuff. We don't need to fix other people's stuff. Most of it we can't have any impact on. We just need to give grace and space for them to work it out.

3. A little love goes a long way. Friends who check in. Nothing fancy. Just a quick, "How's Gracie?" Now THAT'S where it's at. So spread that little bit of love. It really helps people.

Like I said I don't think that was very encouraging. It's just the random waiting room thoughts of a girl who processes by writing it out. But maybe it ministered to someone.