Well, it’s November! We can look forward to Thanksgiving, the season of gratitude, count our blessings, and feast with family and friends. But holidays are not pleasant for everyone. Those who are alone and lonely, those who are ill or depressed, and those who feel distanced from their families often become even more aware of their isolation and loneliness at these times.
I imagine we all know someone who may be in that situation. The question is, what can we do to help them? We are hearing from our religious leaders that we should reach out when we know of someone who is suffering or in distress. Organizations such as the Salvation Army and the Rescue Mission and groups like Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Knights of Columbus, Masons and Meals on Wheels provide opportunities for those in need to receive socializing occasions, meals and chances to be included in holiday events.
What complicates getting services and opportunities for inclusion to those who could benefit is a natural reluctance on our part to possibly invade someone else’s privacy. On the other side, they may not be comfortable acknowledging their needs. Often invitations are politely declined and questions of concern are answered, “I’m fine.
" Coupled with these reactions is the fact that the giving spirit sometimes gets supplanted by the many other concerns in our lives. But how often do we hear someone say, ”I’m resolving to give of myself more and reach out to connect with someone I believe is suffering".
