Thinking of You

As I meditated this morning I realized I needed to change the direction of this latest blog posting.  Originally I was going to write about a different topic. Now I understand I need to say something completely different. I'm thinking of you, one of the people in my life.

I'm thinking of you, the person who recently lost a husband. Actually, there are two people in my life who lost a husband -- one unexpectedly, the other was somewhat anticipated. The loss remains the same for both people, the loss of longtime love. The love does not die, but the physical presence is gone. I'm thinking of you in this loss.

I'm thinking of you, the person trying to make a very hard decision. Again, there is more than one person in this category. One person is considering a job change.  Another person is considering a move. And there are others trying to understand the next chapter as they journey through life, sorting among the options. I'm thinking of you in this decision making process.

I'm thinking of you, the person who is considering whether to end a relationship. Relationships are very hard, regardless of their length. Determining whether to continue in this relationship seems like stepping into the abyss.  Yet the decision may not even be yours to make, and that causes another layer of grief and pain.  I'm thinking of you as you wrestle with this problem.

I'm thinking of you, the person struggling with illness. Nothing you did caused this condition. You wonder how you will survive. Or if you will survive. Or if this condition will complicate everything else you undertake. The answers are elusive. But we can look for the lessons as we struggle and the blessings that surround us every day. I'm thinking of you in your struggle.

I'm thinking of you, the person whose children test your patience. As a parent you want to guide them into adulthood with a minimum of pain and suffering -- physical and emotional. The children, however, seem to get on our last nerve, push every boundary, and insist on taking the hardest path, doing things their way. Those children, our legacy, merely do what children must. They grow.  Growth seldom moves in a straight line, and by definition, leaves behind that which is cast off. I'm thinking of you as you move through each day with these beautiful creatures who have been entrusted to your care.

I'm thinking of you, the person on the edge. Your life seems impossible and hopeless. I want you to find hope and love and security. Whatever the problem, help is available and absolutely nothing is impossible. There are people who love you, even if you cannot see it at the moment. Raise your hand and ask. I'm thinking of you and hope you can find courage.

Sometimes our hearts are full, and we simply lack the power to say what we feel.  Or our powers of expression fail us.  That is where faith enters. I'm thinking of you -- with love and gratitude.