“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” -Psalm 25:16
I enjoy meeting new people. The awkward moment where you are not sure how they think or feel about meeting you, I enjoy that! The curiosity you have about their opinions and beliefs is totally fascinating to me. I like to look at everyone around me as a potential friend, I realize that this is not possible, but I try anyways.
Some people that we may perceive as “un-friendly” just have a tough time showing you they are indeed friendly. But, some people are intentionally blocking others out, and I find it is often because they don’t want to be hurt or to hurt others again like they may have in the past.
I’ve had some time to think about a friend who always pushed others away with their words and their actions. They kept to themselves, often reading alone in their room. They sat alone, they traveled alone, they walked alone. At times, they could be the life of the party, but more often than not they chose to be a recluse. This person would say they did not “like” entertaining others, but I think they chose to hide themselves after letting someone into their life.
I’ve lost touch with this friend. It’s not because I have not reached out, but rather because they have chosen to not respond. And that hurts. By choosing to stay alone, they actually hurt those who care about them.
We are meant to share this life with those around us. We are designed to share God’s grace with our community. It does not matter whether we agree on religion, or politics, or language, or education, etc. We must share each other’s company. It hurts to reach out and have someone not receive our love and support. But we must keep trying.
All Praise to our redeeming Lord,
who joins us by His grace,
and bids us, each to each restored,
together seek His face.
He bids us build each other up;
And gathered into one,
To our high calling’s
glorious hope we hand in hand go on.
(From the hymn: All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord)
Logan Fish, Edmond Campus Director of Hospitality
