There’s more to our health than the food we eat, the exercise we get, the stress we have, and the sleep we get.  Today’s writing takes a different slant.  It’s got a bit to do with our mindset.

The People Around Us…

Who are these people, all around us?

Who are WE, in the midst of these people?

Does it matter, who the people are?  Do we care who they are?

We share this earth with them…

We share this country’s land with them…

We share our own little space in our own little town with them…

Workspace, church-space, civic organization space… maybe online space

Do we care who they are?  Why would we care?

Maybe because we do share space with them…

Why do you think you were put on this earth?

Do you think you have a purpose here?

Do you think your “neighbors” at work, or play, have a purpose here?

Do you think our lives affect each other?

I think our lives do affect each other. 

When you see someone sad, does it affect you?

What about if you see a heartwarming deed that someone does?

What about if someone shares something meaningful with you?

What about if someone is upset with you?  Does it affect you?

I think our very presence affects others.

And I think their presence affects us—if in no other way than to give us opportunity to be more…

In our Sunday School class recently there was a story of a European nobleman, a great craftsman, who volunteered to build a church building for the mountain village he’d grown up in.  No one was allowed to see inside until it was completed.  Everyone was so excited to see the beautiful result.

Finally when it was finished, the people gathered to marvel at the beauty of the new structure.  But when they went inside, it was dark—there were no lights.

When the nobleman was asked about this, he guided their attention to the brackets on the walls lining the interior of the building, beside each pew. 

He explained that he was giving a lamp to each family in the village.  Each time that family attended worship, that area where they sat would have light.  If they weren’t there, that area would be dark.

I think that’s a great example of the energy each of us have in ourselves, that others can feel.

Church is a great example, and we’ll use that here, but it could be your team, or your civic organization, or any group you spend time with.

What if you attended church (or other group) and never spoke to anyone, or hugged anyone, or even smiled at anyone, but only acted as if you didn’t care about being there or being around the people.  Do you think your presence would be felt by anyone there? 

Yes, I think it would be felt—but not in a positive way.  I don’t think it would be something that would help the people there.

So, in that church example, do we care?  I mean, we go to church for ourselves, right?  Yes… we do.  People go for different reasons;

God’s word commands us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together;

Sometimes we go because we have duties there, teaching, music, etc.

Sometimes just to be around like-minded people.

And what about going to encourage the others,s and to be encouraged ourselves?

What about if a person is there because they are pressured by someone else to be there?  They REALLY need your light.

But if we don’t put ourselves out there, to allow people to be closer to us… look at the light we’re denying to others.

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Why don’t we reach out to people? 

Lack of our own confidence?

We may feel we’re on a different level, or a different realm from some?

We may just be uncomfortable speaking to people we’re not close to…

We may feel they won’t be accepting of us?

Would you like to overcome that, and reach out to people? 

Would you like for your (invisible) light to shine on others? 

Would you like to be an encouragement to people who may be waiting for it—who may truly be in need of it?  That may be the reason they came to that spot… to give you the opportunity to lift them up…

And If that’s the case, and if you’re not there… or if you can’t get up the courage to speak to them… who will?

And this same scenario would apply, if it’s your workplace, or civic organization, or any social setting.

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So, what if you feel led to speak to someone, and you do, and get a negative response.

Well.  That’s where you find out what your real reason is… and how strong you are.

Think about what your reason is, for speaking to them.  If your reason is “to share your light”, your job is done.  Their response is not your responsibility.  Only what we do is our responsibility.  You’ve shown your light.  You’ve done your job.  You’ve put yourself out there to lift someone up.  What they do with that is up to them.

Look at it like, OK.  Next.  And go on to thinking about who else might appreciate your light.  I think you’ll be surprised at how many people totally appreciate your touch.

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What if you are in a work situation where there is negativity among the people there, almost all the time.

It’s hard for a person like ourselves to keep our lights shining bright, if the people we’re around a lot keep pouring cold water on our light.  There may not be a perfect answer here, but there are a few things we can do.

1.     Take some “breaks” where you can be somewhat by yourself temporarily, to take some quiet, long, deep breaths, eyes closed if possible, to get refilled with some peace.

2.     Be like that peaceful swan, paddling underneath the surface of the water, and calm on the surface we see; just showing your best calm.  Some people consider their mission is to cause disruption and drama; if they can’t see those results, they may back off somewhat.

3.     Ask God for help.  He may move them.  He may move YOU.  Be ready to be receptive to something new He may have in store for you.

4.     We will never live in a perfect world.  Different problems or issues will always be around.  Just try to imagine the best positive response you can, and give it a try—but be ready to be open to whatever response you see.  If it’s negative, just ignore it and keep going forward.

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Something that would be good to remember, is that ALL kinds of people are around us.

Some are hurting; maybe hurting very badly.  They may be mourning, even something far into their past—maybe a hurt that has never healed.  They may need your kindness.

Some are sad; may be a break-up, or a family member who has separated themselves from the family, or maybe there are health issues—themselves or in the family.  They may truly need your light.

Some may feel trapped by financial problems, or other similar problems.  They may need an ear, or someone to help them level their thinking.

Some are angry and agitated.  Maybe it’s from a legitimate hurt or ill will from someone in their past, or even in their childhood.  They may not realize someone could actually see through that crusty surface to a heart that needs understanding and care.

Some are confused.  There is so much going on in our world in every direction, and tales being told here and there that add to the confusion.  They may not realize that there’s a form of peace and calm that can be possible in the midst of this turmoil.

Some are just so busy they are hyper-focused on their work, or their busy-ness, and just can’t squeeze in the interruption of  being nice, or polite, or anything other than moving forward with their goals.  In my opinion, these would be the hardest walls to break through, but they may need you more than any.

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Have boundaries; Protect yourself from the negative, from the confusion, the blur of hurried-ness, and from the anger, as much as you can.  Give yourself some alone-time to re-group yourself.  Give yourself some Bible and prayer time.  Time for your heart to sing and time to just be still.

But do reach out to people; do care; do smile; speak to them if you can.  Show the humans around you that people do have caring hearts.

You will be the winner.  You will be blessed.  You will receive care back, in a different way.  You will get to know about people’s lives—and those lives can be really interesting to know about.  It will fill your heart.

Your heart will be lighter, and that will help your body to be healthier!

And you will be influencing your little corner of the world.  Just think… You can change the world!  It may be just your corner of it… but little things can cause big changes. 

My guess is, if you begin reaching out to others with a caring heart, you will be a new person… in a new world… adding to peace and calm all around you.

Well, What does this have to do with Your Health?

Honestly, it has Plenty to do with your health.  When we’re helping others, and when we’re thankful and have a free heart, our whole system can more easily relax.  And when we’re in a relaxed state, our whole body works smoothly like it’s made to do.   It’s scientifically proven.

Thank you for reading.  My hope is that you feel the peace, and share the peace, and make your world a better place.

To your Life of Peace… and good health!

Sharon