Count on Me

There are times where hope comes easily to us; and there are seasons when it feels much harder to find. The news is exhausting. Someone we love is hurting. A relationship is complicated. We are doing our best - but it feels hard to get our head above water. Who can we count on when we are in a hard season?

Lately I've been thinking of the song "Count on Me" by Bruno Mars:

If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea

I'll sail the world to find you

If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see

I'll be the light to guide you

We find out what we're made of

When we are called to help our friends in need

There is something so raw and human about the longing to know we are not alone, that we have others we can count on.

In 2023, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy wrote about the loneliness epidemic in the US. Murthy noted, "Loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being. But we have the power to respond. By taking small steps every day to strengthen our relationships, and by supporting community efforts to rebuild social connection, we can rise to meet this moment together. We can build lives and communities that are healthier and happier." So much of this has to do with the presence of others in our lives, the determination and awareness that we are working with intention toward connection.

I continue to think of ways to connect with others; it is the heart of what we do together at Sanctuary Groups. Life is busy and complicated - and yet, what is it all for if we are exhausted and alone? Don't we deserve some joy, some time to laugh until our sides ache? Isn't it worthwhile to be awed by creation, to see new places, to listen to children playing, to help others in need?

Psalm 103:1 reminds us of the critical aspect of blessing - both by God, and between others.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless God's holy name.

From the depths of my soul, I want to feel that blessing. I want to offer it to others. I want to feel the relief of love and of grace. I want the fear mongering to stop in the world. We are lonely enough. Let us focus - instead of on fear - on connection.

This doesn't mean it is easy. It will take our time and our energy. It will take turning on our ears and turning off our mouths. It will take some radical acceptance. It will take allowing others to care for us as well.

So, who do you count on when life is challenging?

What helps you remember what really matters?

What is one small thing that gives you hope right now?

This is how we hang on when times get hard. And - this is what makes life more lovely on just an ordinary day.

In November, may you find someone to lean on, something to lean toward, and space to breathe more deeply. May you have the awareness to enjoy the blessings - and the courage to share deep and abiding loving-kindness with others.