Sharing

I am reminded these last couple of days about the benefits of sharing. I don't mean the let me play with your toys kind of sharing but the letting others into the private places sharing. I have been catching up with friends in some visitis this week and sharing my experiences with both the grief of and the joys of my present life. Some of the things I have shared are things I have shard with others during this time since Marsha passed away. Other moments of sharing are personal and belong only to the particular relationship involved. I have the need to share my burdens with others who care about me and Marsha. I can feel a genuine release even when I am recounting things I have aleady shared with others. I can see the understanding of the sadness I carry when I look in the eyes of my friends and even though it is hard I benefit from that shared sadness. I also find great blessings in hearing about the lives of friends that I have missed. One had surgery, and the others seemed to have positive things to share but it doesn't matter. It is the sharing of life that makes it important and special not the guarantee of some universal joyful living. I know Marsha was worried about my isolating myself after she was gone, but that is not what helps me. I need my private quiet time but I need my friends as well. I need to pray and think things through on my own while I also need to exchange realities with those around me. I trust that God will continue to help me experience all those things he knows I need, and also that he will help me share all of that with others. Together we are stronger than we can ever be alone. Thank you Lord for my companions with you along the road of life.