Sometimes we get so caught up in our own world, with our own problems, that we forget about other people and what they’re going through. Worse, sometimes we think we have it the hardest. That is, until we run into somebody that has a harder go of it than us.
Our Neighbor
We talked to one of our neighbors this week. She’s had such a tough go of it. She has skin cancer and has had more surgeries done on her face than anybody should have to go through. Because of that, she doesn’t like to leave the house. And yet this week, she came outside for a few minutes to talk to Matt and I.
She told us that she has several more surgeries to go. My heart hurt for her. Nobody should have to go through that. Cancer is such a terrible thing. Her courage to stand there and talk to us and to keep fighting made me reconsider my own stamina. Our conversation reminded me that I have nothing to complain about.
Overcoming Apathy
We went home and spent the next few days getting some things together for her. So on the day of her next surgery, she came home to a gift bag of goodies, a pumpkin, and a meal. It wasn’t a whole lot, but it was something.
Getting outside of ourselves is such a wonderful way to overcome apathy. It helps give us perspective and makes us thankful for our own problems and trials. How do you get outside of yourself, especially when you’re going through a hard time yourself?
1. Choose joy today.
No matter what we’re going through, we can choose to still be joyful because joy isn’t dependent on our circumstances.
2. Choose to be thankful.
Always remember that somebody has it worse than you do. Matt and I always say that we’re thankful for the trials we have because we know it could be so much worse.
3. Do something for somebody going through a difficult time.
Sometimes, the sheer needs of people are overwhelming. It’s almost debilitating to know who to help. Matt says this, “Do for one what you wish you could do for all.” Do something for that one neighbor who’s going through a hard time. Help out that friend who’s struggling. You can’t help everybody, but you can be God’s light to one person today.
4. Don’t judge.
Talking to our neighbor reminded me that you can never judge. You never know what somebody is going through. So maybe just give somebody grace.
5. Get out in nature.
Sometimes, just getting out in nature helps remind us how small we are and how big and good God is. It helps us to realign our hearts and spirits.
These are a just a few ways to get outside of ourselves and gain perspective, especially if you’re going through a hard time yourself. Don’t forget that God loves you, sees you, and knows exactly what you’re going through today.
More Encouragement
For more encouragement, check out my post, Making It Through the Storms of Life. Or check out Kay Warren’s book, Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough.
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