What is the basis we use to accept or reject someone into our lives? Usually acceptance begins with similarities or shared attributes. It is comforting to recognize that on some level we are all the same. We are all human beings created by the same creator. Man was created from dust and will return to dust. We all have a head, two arms, two legs, skin, a heart and so on. In the same way, we all have the same thought patterns. We all have memory, reasoning, processing, and so on. And again, we all have the same emotions. Happiness, love, excitement, and also fear, anxiety, and discontentment. Recognizing how you are the same as your neighbor may help eliminate the idea that one is isolated in their thoughts. As you are feeling failure from not being offered the position, your neighbor is feeling failure for not getting the promotion. As you are feeling rejection from someone who is unhappy with your product, your neighbor is feeling rejection from not getting the sale. As you are feeling sadness from loosing a loved one, your neighbor is feeling sadness from a divorce. No mortal being is exempt from these feelings. No one can escape the suffering that is a core part of life on earth. It is important to recognize that you are not alone, you are not the only one feeling this way. To speak up, seek advice, share your emotions is part of being human. And the cool thing is, is that because we all have the same or similar experiences we not only can relate, but likely will have empathy, provide comfort, and may even be able to offer solutions you might not be able to see. “You will have suffering in this world. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Johns 16:33
Prayers for you today.