My sister ran into an old friend at a restaurant.
He'd been out of town for years pursuing his career and had recently moved back to care for an aging relative.
After exchanging pleasantries my sister asked how he was doing. And he made the very brave decision to answer honestly.
"Not that well," he said. And he went on to explain how Covid had ruined his career, how his siblings were being less than helpful with their sick relative, and how he longed for an end to the raging destruction of this pandemic.
My sister asked if they could get together for a meal soon, he agreed and they adjourned only to take up these topics again soon.
Talking to a grave digger at a funeral this week, he told me about his job moonlighting as a check-out clerk at a grocery store. “It’s frustrating," he said, "Why do people have to be so angry? "
He explained how he tries to understand that people are bearing heavy loads, and much of the rudeness from customers is displaced pandemic frustration.
So he takes it in, and resolves to come back with words of assurance, and encouragement. He says he is often met with apologies and thanks for trying to understand and not retaliate.
What we see here is the power of connection to Inspire hope.
In both these scenarios there's a decision to engage with compassion.
This holiday weekend, as you and I gather in tiny pods of friends and relatives for our stripped down Thanksgivings, we see opportunities to build hope through connection.
Bravery and compassion are what’s needed to go beyond conversations about weather and sports - to create safe spaces where we can be honest - knowing our vulnerability only deepens our connections.
When we ponder Christian discipleship during Thanksgiving, few things bring the Kingdom to our doorsteps more than courage and compassion.
May we be brave.
May we be strong.
May God bring us the grace to connect with faithful assurance that all will be well.
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