The Little Things

Withdrawing from relationships is a natural reaction when we are disappointed and/or hurt. It’s a basic self-preservation mechanism. It is something that we all fight with and struggle to overcome in order to keep our hearts tender and our minds free. I am always learning new things about setting boundaries and being more patient – more understanding, when it comes to relationships.

I used to get upset when I felt neglected by a friend or family member who was not reaching out to me in the ways that I needed. Sometimes I still do.
I got offended a couple of weeks ago because I was hospitalized for 7 days and only had one visitor. I had to understand that people work and have their own things going on. I know without a doubt that these people with whom I was offended love me, but still, I became offended and withdrew. I had to repent for my offense.

After repenting, it took me a minute to reach out again and finally respond to my texts and calls.

For those of us who face the challenges of chronic health issues, isolation is just a natural occurrence. It is one the enemy will take full advantage of and I have learned that very well indeed. Because of sickness, becoming isolated often happens. The recent years of experiencing covid has taken a toll on people’s hearts and minds and we are more isolated than ever. As a result depression, anxiety, suicide, addictions, anger, and hatred have become commonplace in so many homes all over the world. I fight so hard with depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. This topic is more relevant than we know.

In the midst of circumstances, like chronic sickness or any hard trial, we feel our value is diminished, as well as what small token of ourselves we have to give others in relationships during those times. We are tempted to believe that no one wants the little things anymore and that what we are able to give is too small. We buy into the lie that we are irrelevant and too minuscule to truly add something wonderful to someone else’s life.

The Lord spoke to me last year and reminded me that not everyone is a 100 fold person. There are some 30, 60, 10, 1… (Matthew 25:14-30)

As long as we are reaching out to give any measure of ourselves in relationships, it is acceptable in God’s eyes.

So then, we should consider that in return they might be giving 100% of whatever measure they have.

Do not despise the small things.

This understanding doesn’t justify neglect but it should cause a moment of reflection in which we should honestly consider the factors surrounding the relationship. It isn’t easy, but it is necessary.

For a while now I have faced many challenges that have diminished the measure and quality of relationships that I can participate in. This has affected by my own standards and expectations.

I’ve recently had someone reach out to me to get to know me but I have been hesitant because I know I am capable of far greater than I am giving.

However, right now I am barely able to maintain the 1 fold. Just knowing that about myself makes me susceptible to depression because I want more. I need more and need to give more. But right now I can’t offer but the small measure I have, so I fight the temptation to hide my “small measure” in the earth, because I feel it’s so little and insignificant. But dearest friends, any measure of love we give to others is powerful!

Be patient with yourself and empathize with people. I’m trying to do this more because I don’t want to hide the measure of love I have to give.

I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I am convinced that the only way to do that is to love by giving. The giving of yourself and everything entrusted to you is powerful indeed. Someone reaching out to me and being patient and kind to me is something that really touches my heart.
They are giving me more than they are getting. Do you know how beautiful and selfless that is?!

Not many people love extravagantly like that. It is a sign to me of real love and a clean heart. The single most effective and extraordinary evidence that Christ resides in that person. That makes me want to know that human more.
Not to use them, but know them. These are treasures that are so very rare.

I believe that if we continue to offer what we have all new (or even old) friendships can do is grow. Love made manifest by growing wider, deeper, higher. To know what is the breadth, length, depth or height of the love of God.

I am thankful for the grace to extend this measure of love right now to you. Thank you for challenging me and for the blessed opportunity to grow in love.

Yours, Jenny