Loving others, one on one.

I've had this little thought mulling in my mind now for some.  It comes on me when I am in big crowds, when I am in the middle of someone trying to build some big and important, it comes on me when I feel small and insignificant and overlooked.  Here is my thought, that I am still having a hard time putting into words.

We all need people to look us in eye, who are willing to spend ONE ON ONE time with us, and to show us we are loved.

You see the thing is, the world is big, and there are lots of people we know who are acquaintances.  Everyone is so busy, with so many things to do.  It is easier to make broad sweeping statements and connect with a lot of people than to sit down face to face over your favorite beverage, and really listen, and connect to a persons heart.    To allow their joys to become your joys, their hurts to become your hurts, to reach out and say, "I don't have the answers, but I know someone who does, and I can pray for you."  

I know I have done it so many times.  I am consumed, consumed with my work, my house, my husband, my kids, getting things done, making sure I look like I have it together.

When what most people want from me is to love them, not to impress them.  

And the honest truth is I have felt it from others.  I have not felt that I am person to be loved, but someone to impress, someone to wow with who they are.  But I realize that this stems from an insecurity, from them wanting to be loved themselves.
 

Dear Lord, please help me to get over myself.  Help me to walk in love and reach out to others and really hear and love them.  And please help them to forgive me when I fall short and fail them.  Lord, you said the greatest thing is love.  Help me to remember this and realize it isn't about my possessions or living the American dream, having a nice big house, nice car, looking good on the outside.  But it is love.  I fail constantly.  Please Father, change me and my heart.  I know I have limitations.  I am limited right now with 3 young children, and a special needs child.  Getting out of my house is difficult.  But when I have the chance, help me to love, and just enjoy the friendships you have blessed me with.

Help me to love others, not strive to impress.  One on one is never time wasted.  Help me as a mom to realize this as well, that my time is not wasted in investing in only a couple little hearts and hands, but it is precious, it is fruitful, it is meaningful and deep.

And I thank you for those people who have been willing to give of that most precious gift, themselves and their time, to reach out, listen and care.  Please bless them.