Words that discourage

Photo by Steffen Thoma

Recently, I've been made aware of some unkind things that have been spoken about me from people I respect. I cannot tell you how much that has hurt me. I've been criticized (not to my face, mind you) for taking this "green" thing a bit too far.

They think my focus on recycling is stupid, for one thing. They say I go "overboard." I love what my husband said to me in reference to this: "I wonder how much they'd fight it if a landfill went in beside their homes?" Good point. Don't recycle, but don't bring your trash into our neighborhood. 

Now I don't have to worry about any of these people reading about this, because none of them would be bothered with reading my blog and discovering for themselves what exactly it is that motivates me. While their comments will not deter my mission as Green Grandma, they sure have affected my enthusiasm to work with them on other things. After all, why would I want to spend time with people who don't respect me? It's pretty simple, actually.

When you speak words about someone, do you ever stop to think exactly what the effect would be if the words were to get back to them? Would the person stop serving in a ministry or voluntering their time? Would they hole up and retreat into themselves? 

Of course, I'm as guilty as others on this one. I've said unkind things about people that would have hurt them the way these words hurt me. Perhaps now, I'll twice before doing that again.

I'm discouraged right now. I pour my heart and soul into this mission of mine. Is it worth it? Does it matter? Am I wasting my time? See how those poorly chosen words from a few people have affected me. I'm now doubting myself.

Why am I sharing this with you? Maybe I'm asking for company in my little pity party I'm having. And/or maybe I'm just encouraging you to think before you speak. 

"But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God."

That verse is somewhere in the first chapter of James and is one of my favorite 'conviction' verses. Yes, it convicts me, too.

I have a busy, busy week ahead, but I just wanted to take the time to share a little piece of my heart with you.

Thanks for 'listening,'

Hana

Caring too much

A family member recently criticized me for “caring too much.” That was a slap in the face I did not expect. She said, “Well, you do. You always know people who have traumatic things happening to them and you get too involved. I mean, you and Bill are always off visiting people in the hospital. That’s ridiculous. They probably don’t even want you there. A card would be enough.” Wow.

So, herein lies the question: is it possible to care too much? When a friend, family member or simply an acquaintance is in need, should we put their needs on the care-o-meter and measure just how involved we should get? Or should we go with our instincts to reach out and do just that? What are your thoughts?

Maybe we do care too much. When I see my husband praying for someone he does not even know and I reach out to wipe away a tear from his eye, perhaps I should just slap him silly and tell him to knock it off! I tend to think I would be the one in need of prayer then!

I know people whose main goal in life is to be happy. That’s fine for them. But I just cannot wrap my mind around that concept. Do I think we shouldn’t seek happiness? Not at all. I am happy much of the time. But I simply refuse to sacrifice my compassion for others who are hurting so that I can live in La La land, singing happy little diddies and laughing my life away. That might suit my purposes, but I live under the guise that life is not just about me. And I recognize that it is all about balance. After all, I would not be a good wife, mother, friend or grandmother if I were completely wrapped up in the cares of the world. It is good to sing little diddies and engage in some hearty belly laughs. And there is certainly loads of room for that in my life.

But my challenge to you in this new year is to live lives worthy of the same kind of criticism – that you care too much. Let’s make this Green Grandma community a community of extreme caring, of compassion, of grace. We can care about the environment all we want, but if we are not caring about the finest of God’s creation – his people – what good is it? We can do both, because, after all, we are amazing.

Caring for you deeply,

Hana