Life is full of seasons. Each season is unique – you don’t know how long it will last, the joys it will bring or the challenges you may encounter.
Think about the last time you were having a tough day or a tough season. You may not remember all of the details, but you probably do remember at least one person who came alongside you and made a difference during that time. As Maya Angelou famously said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
In a world that feels increasingly harsh, lifting someone else up may not only be a game changer for them, but you too.
My family is in the thick of a particularly hard season in which we have seen challenges beyond our comprehension that have tested us emotionally, physically and spiritually.
However, there is also a lot of beauty that has come from this season. At a time when it would be very easy to isolate and disengage, it's incredible that we have never felt alone. Our faith, family and friends have shown up for us, fought for us and supported us in ways that we are completely undeserving of and so grateful for.
Finding the beauty in our situation has helped to remind us that every season does come to an end and that investing in people is one of the best investments you can make.
I joke that life has been a team sport lately. And by walking alongside us, our “team” has shown me what it looks like to “be that person” who steps into someone else's story and will never be forgotten because of the way they made that person feel.
We all know someone who is struggling right now and sometimes it’s hard to know how to help. When you don’t know how to help, it’s so easy to just not do anything. I find myself guilty of having the best intentions, but not knowing the exact, perfect thing to do/say or just being too caught up in my own stuff, and letting the moment pass.
What our team has taught me is that doing something is almost always better than doing nothing because sometimes, just letting someone know that they aren’t alone can be exactly what they need. They have taught me that it’s not about having the right words; it’s about being right there, next to them and completely present.
Our team has inspired me to be that person who loves others as well as they have loved us through this season.
And I want to encourage everyone reading this to be that person.
Be that person who calls even when you don’t know what to say.
Be that person who stops by just to say “hi”. Not worrying about whether “it’s a good time”.
Be that person who keeps extending invitations, no matter how many times they’re declined.
Be that person who doesn’t mind sitting in the discomfort with someone.
Be that person who pushes someone to do better.
Be that person who reminds someone that they’re doing a great job.
Be that person who drops off dinner, whether it’s needed or not.
Be that person who takes someone’s kids to the park for an hour.
Be that person who asks how someone is doing when their partner is struggling.
Be that person who prays for someone.
Be that person who gives grace when a text message goes unanswered.
Be that person who sends a text just to say “I’m thinking about you”.
Be that person who welcomes an unexpected interruption.
Be that person who doesn’t need recognition.
Be that person who loves unconditionally.
I love how Dr. Daniel Amen refers to happiness as a “moral obligation because of how you impact other people”. The thought being that happiness is a chain reaction; your happiness positively influences other people’s happiness. “Being that person” is an extension of this. Being that person for someone gives them the strength and inspiration to do it for someone else.
So, for those of you reading this who have been that person to someone in your life experiencing a hard season, thank you. Know that you made a difference and that you contributed to something much bigger than yourself.
