“We need to be angels for each other, to give each other strength and consolation. Because only when we fully realize that the cup of life is not only a cup of sorrow but also a cup of joy will we be able to drink it.”
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Being an angel has little to do with the supernatural or in this case, the divine. It is all about loving another to get them out, through and on to the life they deserve. Sure, in the moment it may feel like all there is, is to endure or withstand. And accept disappointment and defeat.
But in reality, when you are an angel to another you are bringing joy. To them, because they know they are loved. And to you, because you now know you can love in that manner.
My partner and I were discussing “investment” some time ago.
Not so much in the sense of IRA’s, mutual funds and the like. But more so, what we choose to expend on those that should mean the world to us. Whether it be strangers, friends, coworkers, parents, grandparents, siblings, sons, daughters, grandkids, kids or spouses.
Now don’t read into the order presented prior as it is merely meant to set the stage. Because in our own way, we do invest and expend a great deal of personal capital – in all terms – on those around us each day, in all ways. And hopefully, always.
Whether it be monetarily. Personally. Physically. Emotionally. Or, spiritually.
So being a prudent investor in this market, there is never going to be a short game when it comes to those within the orbit of your life. It is, and will always be, the long game. As investors on such a personal level, we may never witness, experience or realize the fruits of our endeavors. We simply have to trust that what we expend in the now will profit those that receive it in their time.
That is all that matters.
So just trust in your investment. Believe in the dividends that they will reap for others. And let love guide your giving in all ways.
At some point in your life, you may get tested in ways you could never possibly imagine. And as you are being tested, it may seem unfair, ill-timed and impossible to endure.
But know this; you are never given more than you can handle. The reasons for your particular test may not be readily apparent, but it always serves a purpose.
Perhaps it is to make you look at things differently; to appreciate the blessings that surround you every moment of your life.
Maybe it is a wake up call; designed to get you to change course, to become that person you were intended to be.
In some cases, it might be that others need to see you in the battle of your life so that they can learn to fight the smaller skirmishes of theirs. You may have been chosen to be tested so that others could become what they were always meant to be in witness of your trials.
It all makes perfect sense.
We are put here for one another in some capacity; yet to be determined.
Even when you are up against it, at your worst and cannot possibly fathom how you will ever continue, someone is watching, listening and drawing inspiration and strength from your personal calamity.
Your resolve to endure and overcome your test restores an other’s faith that they can too.
When it becomes their time.
And then, become that inspiration for yet another.
The things you think, say, do and pursue on a daily basis do not exist in a secluded environment.
Somehow isolated from the outside world and everyone that inhabits it. You can be sure that there are always some unknown quantity of ears straining to hear your words. Eyes abound that are trained on your reaction, response and conduct in all manner of circumstance and situation. And the seeds bearing the example of your character in action are being planted within others.
Inspiration breathes life into all.
In some fashion, whether you realize it or not, you are delivering your own brand of inspiration to others on a daily basis. Moment upon moment. In flesh and bone. You can choose to be an exemplar of constant, committed and caring words and action. Intended to encourage greater effort, enthusiasm or creativity.
You can be the embodiment of the type of inspiration that moves others to improve, grow and strive to achieve beyond their present limits into what they were meant to be. Able to awaken a particular feeling in another no matter the situation or circumstance.
“To breathe into.”
It is well within your capability to be positive, persistent and passionate about your pursuit. Genuine in your example. Loving in your approach. And willing to give up yourself in doing so.
Lean into these aptitudes and fully embrace a deeper investment. Realize that you will be raising-up far more than just some abstract audience.
Your thoughts, words and deeds respect no physical boundaries.
There is no shelf life.
Your persistence, positivity and passion ripples out in all directions.
And some portion or particle of your committed and loving efforts will touch many others.
“I cannot be awake, for nothing looks to me as it did before, or else I am awake for the first time, and all before has been a mean sleep.”
― Walt Whitman
Well put Mr. Whitman.
Especially that state you describe as “a mean sleep.”
I believe that we all tend to share a common bunk at one time or another in our lives. Where we only see life from one side. Tearing ourselves down but neglecting to enjoin in a rebuilding process. Hearing only the negative, construing honest interactions as disparaging, disregarding the true affirmations born of love and tucking away all of what we are made to be so we can return back to our mean sleep.
Though it entirely contradicts common sense, there is this misperception of comfort to be found under that stifling blanket, albeit unhealthy. Covered by bad habits, we choose to remain. It is known territory. Nothing comes unexpected. We convince ourselves it is all as it should be. Because simply “it is what it is.”
Well there is another side of that bed.
Might appear to be cold and dark at first glance. But if we give it a chance, we will sense a warm and inviting light over there. Perhaps our eyes, ears, head and heart need to get used to the difference present in that glow. But when we roll over and throw off those stifling covers, we begin to hear things in another voice.
Through the light finally penetrating the glass, we can now perceive it as becoming half full. Glimmers of positivity radiate within conversations. Others’ shared expressions of what they see in us bathe us in a warmth we have longed to know for what seemed an eternity. And as our focus sharpens, that figure now facing us is the one we have always known ourselves to be.
Though nothing may look to us like it ever did before, there can be a first time for everything. In a way, that is how an epiphany works.
And finally being awake like this, for the first time, brings us great rest, peace and joy.
...my temporary assignment. 