2018
began 55 days ago. Fifty-five days ago, I started this blog. In my very first
blog, I mentioned I hoped it would affect at least one person in a positive
way. This is still my hope.
Every
single day of this adventure called life, my mind races with thoughts, feelings,
ideas, concerns, dreams, and expectations for not only myself but for others.
I
encounter many different people on a daily basis. Each of these encounters
requires something different from me. Each day I wear so many hats, some of
which are listed below. Usually I am one or more, or all, of the following:
- Wife
- Mom
- Grandma
- Listener
- Helper
- Organizer
- Collaborator
- Counselor
- Teacher
- Comforter
- Reminder
- Friend
- Sister
- Neighbor
- Employee
- Co-Worker
- Colleague
Human connection
takes effort.
Human connection
takes time.
Human connection
takes energy.
I am, at my core,
an introvert. I have always wrestled with this attribute. Human interaction
drains me. However, I believe we were created for just this purpose –
interacting with others to make the world a better place for ourselves and for
each other.
I am so drained at
the end of each day. I daily question my skills, my purpose, and just myself,
in general. The only way I can recharge is through time alone with God. “Time
alone” – these are the key words there. This, in itself, is practically impossible.
Many days it doesn’t
happen.
When it doesn’t happen,
it is noticeable.
I notice I am more
tired, more stressed, more anxious, less confident, less organized, less
effective, less helpful, etc. etc. etc.
All to say, when I am less than I can be, I am less to others than I
should be.
Lately, our world
has seemed more chaotic and darker than usual. Evil has always existed. Evil
will always exist. However, lately, evil has seemed to be the main focus.
People of all ages,
backgrounds, cultures, and genders are hurting. My work allows me time with
some of the most wonderful human beings. These students are wonderful people
but many of them carry loads far beyond anyone’s imaginations: homelessness, depression,
abuse, incarceration, hunger, fear, sleeplessness, insecurity, illness, etc.
When human connections are made, trust is created. Where there is trust, there
is hope.
There is a famous
quote I love but its origins are really unknown. Either way, it is excellent
and one I carry with me in my daily work:
“The only thing
necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
So, no matter how
much I am drained by humanity, I still must continue to do something good.
I must make sure I
find “time alone” with God so I can rejuvenate my soul.
We only walk this adventure
called life once. We need to make sure we are doing all we can for others.
So, in this day,
where as a classroom teacher, discussions are being held around the #ArmMeWith
movement, I will arm myself with the Armor of God so I can confidently and
energetically be what I need to be in my daily human connections.
Of which the most
important are:
- Example
- Encourager
- Child of God
Human connection
takes effort.
Human connection
takes time.
Human connection
takes energy.
Human connections
are key!
Make a connection.
Be kind. Do something good!
~ Jan 💓
#HumanConnectionIsKey
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