What moves you?

Shared by former Bridge Chaplain Dave Emery

As I move away from Bridge, I realize again a number of things which may be worth sharing here.

Saying goodbye is not as important as saying hello. We are frequently moving through life with change and loss. I am quite amazed at how those I love with disabilities are great examples of this. In so many ways they show us that change is a way of life not something to be avoided ignored or feared. Simply seen most of those with disabilities need caregivers to assist them in a few or many ways. Most of these caregivers come and go throughout their lives frequently. Still, the way in which we get attached to people and circumstances is no different here than anywhere else. Often great friendships and bonding take place with these task performers that give of their time efforts and care. Yet, the turnover is extremely high with many of these folks. Letting go and starting all over again happens repeatedly. What I have witnessed and what I commend to you here and now is the way in which new relationships happen at a deeper level more quickly for most, and what a real benefit it would be for all of us to learn this as well.

Unpaid friendship is a gift.  Those of you who have gotten to know me over the last few years know how crucial I feel companionship truly is. People who walk beside us and don't try to fix us change us shape us or solve all our problems are a rarity and an incredible blessing when they appear and join us. Accepting us as we are. Sharing in silence and listening to us even if there are no words is such a blessing. Feeling with us what we face along life's journey; without taking on our burdens sorrows or hardships is amazing. Choosing to see us, listen to us, accept us, put up with our idiosyncrasies and differences, and staying with us even when we sometimes push them away or ask for too much is incredible. These are those we can really be ourselves with and truly party and celebrate with in such fun ways.

Some have said that if you aren't moving forward you are moving backwards. I say that is nonsense. Most of us just don't want to move. We stay where we are as long as can trying to keep everything the same and doing the best we are able. Yet, we find out this is impossible and frequently we keep doing it anyway even when it is awful, just because we believe this is what will keep us happy even in our misery. What funny human beings we are. Moving is imperative not just because it is unavoidable, but mostly because it is life giving. The song I Dare You to Move by Switchfoot says this as well as anyone can. What happens when one can't move. Those with physical challenges still move. They do so as much and as often as possible because it is so life giving for them. See the reality is that this is a brand new day, and how we choose to live it really is our choice. I hope you will be moved to closer relationships to others yourself and what is beyond us.

The simple truth is that every time I am with someone else I see someone amazing. I hear of life in a different way. Whether the encounter is brief energetic long depleting or even redundant it is someone else there connected engaged interacting and present. This is in itself worthwhile blessed and exceedingly meaningful. It may even make a difference to the other person as well. WOW!

No matter how this moment finds you, I trust you find this moment God Breathed!!!  I pray this day moves you in direct connection with others and God's amazing grace.