It's only day two and I'm wondering why in the world I would proclaim to the world wide web that I was going to challenge myself to write meditations every. single. day. in October (even if it is only for half of the month?!) I'm starting to see a trend in my life ... I oftentimes get a little ahead of myself. My enthusiasm and gusto in the moment seems to trump my ability to think rationally and clearly. I'm pretty sure I've overestimated my time management skills, as well as my writing stamina. Never the less, here I go with day two...
The Visitation has always been a favorite mystery of mine. As human beings we're all innately relational creatures to a certain extent. I think most women (and men) would agree that women, in general, tend to hold friendships as a much higher priority in life. Most women, even if they're introverted, crave the support, camaraderie, and joy that friendship offers us. Ever since I was a child I've always valued my friendships, but even more so once I had kids. Once I had kids, my girlfriends became my lifeline. A lifeline that I needed for advice, encouragement, laughs, and sometimes a brief break from the monotony of motherhood.
It's not hard to imagine the excitement of Mary and Elizabeth as they embraced each other and John the Baptist leapt in Elizabeth's womb. We can all think back on times when we were able to finally hug a friend that we hadn't seen in a long time, or when we were able to celebrate a major life event with a friend. The joy and the giddiness in those moments are as refreshing as they are therapeutic. Quite frankly, just meeting girlfriends out for dinner during a particularly grueling week is nourishing to the soul (and the sanity!)
God created each and everyone of us in His image and likeness. There is no more relational being in the universe than God. God is love, and love is relational, and because of this we are called to be part of that community of love. Thus, the two most important commandments are to love God with your whole heart, and secondly, to love your neighbor. From of all this, I think it's safe to surmise that friendship is a gift from God, and one that nourishes our souls.
If God gives us the gift of friendship and we're called as believers to be in communion with Him, and with others, then we best tend to those friendships. Life can get hectic and it's oftentimes easy to get overwhelmed by the busyness of our own lives, but we cannot allow ourselves to neglect these important relationships. God uses all of us at certain points as messengers, inspiration, and comfort for one another. You never know how God might use you to help someone else on their journey through life.
Let's challenge ourselves to reach-out to one friend everyday (even if it's the same friend) by calling, sending a card, or texting to let them know that we've said a prayer for them. We might never know the impact that small action might have on that person's day. It's also a great way to get out of our own heads and households. And besides, If Mary could travel while pretty darn pregnant on a donkey for days on end to help Elizabeth, I think we can manage this easy task, don't you?
