Today's word is one which a sweet friend, who had submitted previously, sent. I must say many of us have felt the hallow echo of
What stands out in the above photo is seeing not only the word, but its reflection in the water. I was reminded when we feel forgotten, we see the reflection of the forgotten when we gaze into the mirror. Just as the reflection above is distorted, so can the reflections we see in a mirror be distorted.
As I continued to think of looking into the mirror and seeing the forgotten reflected, it dawned upon me how we often also see distorted images, depending upon the mirror we are using. A broken mirror will reflect a broken image of who we are. A mirror with imperfections will reflect an untrue image of who we are. We have all seen the warning on the side mirror of our cars
This is a poignant reminder the reflections we see in a mirror may not be true. What we behold when we gaze into a mirror may not be how the world perceives us. When we gaze too closely, the imperfections are alarmingly pronounced and the true reflection becomes a distortion of the real image. While we may experience the sadness of feeling we are forgotten, that is not always the case.
Loneliness is a state most of us experience at some time in our lives and feeling forgotten parallels with being lonely. Look around you and understand there are legions who feel lonely and forgotten in this fast paced world. So many of our older friends and family feel forgotten and unseen in today's tumultuous world. For many loneliness is increased with age. As our activity decreases, our contact with others also diminishes. Many are left isolated due to infirmities, lack of resources, diminishing energy, and other conditions brought on by aging. Today's pandemic has done us no favors in keeping the shadows of forgotten from being present. Loneliness is a pandemic which affects a wide range of the population, but is especially rampant in our senior citizens.
When my neighbor sent the word, we discussed some remedies to help combat the overwhelming feeling of being forgotten. Something as simple as a walk, a telephone call, a short drive, or any activity where others are present. Those who experience the heart heaviness of feeling forgotten are all around us. My simplistic answer to being forgotten---be certain you are being seen. Take ownership--make those calls, attend community programs, go to church, volunteer, walk around the block. Rather than being disappointed in those we perceive to have forgotten us, take the initiative to make changes that alter the circumstances which precipitated your isolation.
Finally--do no forget---you are NEVER forgotten or alone as long as you look to God. He is faithfully present. Turn around -seek Him- know His love and omnipresence.
"Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,
for the Lord your God goes with you;
He sill never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6
It's all too easy to ignore those "forgotten" folks in our society. The pandemic certainly has exacerbated those feelings of isolation and loneliness. Even if it is just a phone call or a card because you can't be with someone in person, it's better than nothing. I know how much my mother appreciated her neighbors calling on her when we weren't able to be there in person. It meant the world to me, too.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Lulu!
Absolutely! Another blog coming on this very subject, Martha. It also segues into the book we are studying in small group. Could it be that we see this topic so much because it is such a huge problem?
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!