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a very editorial piece

cool wall, but would i want to live there?

I meet up with a group of ladies each week.  We are of different ages, eco-status and walks of life.  Our community comes from our love factor based in relationship.

We’ve been discussing a book titled, “Love Does” by Bob Goff.  Did you know love is a noun and a verb? Yep, that’s the nerdy, I-love-words-side of me coming out.  Anyway, the point is love does stuff.  It doesn’t simply sit in a box thinking it’s all sweet and uncluttered, tied up with a pretty bow.

Love is messy.  Love is inconvenient.  Love gets in the way of our preconceived ideas.  Love is broken.  Love is vulnerable.  Love hurts.  Basically, love can be a real pain in the butt, because it requires something.


Grinding on the conversation with the gal pals, we were passionately hashing ways that we could put action (verbs) to our talk.  Talk has to take form or it’s just talk. 

The holidays are basically here, our minds turn to helping others who are less fortunate than ourselves; a good thing, but why do we only think that way during the obvious times?  Shouldn’t doing “good” be a heart stance always, instead of when we are reminded to be thankful by a holiday?

Two things collided, disturbing me, messing with me.  First was the phrase, “going to their world to help.”  Since when did stuff become “theirs” and “mine?”  It’s more of an “ours.”  The social ills that bombard us are “our” concerns.  I understand that the distinction came from good hearts, but that subtle distinction continues to make me uneasy.  Maybe it’s the whole walk a mile in my shoes idea.  We are all just a small step away from being terribly in need, and I’m not just speaking economically.

What collided with the “their world” was meeting eyes and people in the everyday, not on the holiday so that we feel good about what we do.  Wow! I want to do something so I feel good…I’m letting that impact me…

I’m not saying it’s bad to put food in a drop box for Thanksgiving or a coat in the winter.  That is good, actually huge!  But why not do the same thing on a Friday the 13th or a random Tuesday?  Have I become so “us” and “them” that I don’t see the always there need?

I’m messed up and disturbed, but what am I going to do about it?  Love does …


Missy


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  1. sewsavyNovember 17, 2015 at 6:45 AM

    I liked this a lot! Yes, love is a verb and a noun. It's descriptive, as in I love to read. You are correct that there is no their and mine world to those of us that are awake. So many still don't get that. They think if they throw money at a problem, it will go away. I love that you get together with ladies to discuss books. One day soon, I will be able to do that since I have so many books to discuss. :)) Giant hugs and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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    1. Missy ANovember 18, 2015 at 8:20 AM

      Thanks, Marlene. We do way too much talking without thinking about how our talk can take some action. Interesting thing about my ladies group is that we don't always discuss a book, but we do always have lively, pointed discussions. I hope you can get back to being involved soon. How are your eyes doing? Take care my friend, and have a happy Thanksgiving, too.

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