You See Me, You Hear Me

Every now and then I see evidence that the work I do as a minister matters in the world.  I do not separate my ministry from my day-to-day life, but see it as an extension of my ethical core beliefs.

Recently, a friend of mine called.  She said, “I realized today that I never call you just to ask about how you are. And I feel sad about that.  You do so much to take care of others.  So here I am, calling just to ask you, how are you?”

I started to cry, recognizing that her words were true.  More importantly, in that moment, I really knew that she sees me and she hears me.  I am not disregarded, and I matter to her.    And in that moment of acknowledgment, I knew that my loving her has been helping her heal.

One of my core beliefs is that I know that I am responsible for the way people treat me in the world, and that my life is a reflection of my own positive self-esteem.  I know that I deserve to receive love and respect from others, and I am loving and respectful of others.

Those  tears came from a deep place of old loneliness.  I shed them with gratitude, and I said “Thank you” to my Creator for a sweet affirmation that I am doing work that matters in the world.