The key to communication

Yesterday, during our staff in-service, we were told the key to successful communication is in three words: acknowledge the other. Acknowledge the person with whom you are talking.  Isn't that exactly what Jesus did the whole time he walked the earth? That's why Jesus didn't just heal people, indiscriminately, as he moved through a crowd.  He stopped, looked into their eyes, asked them what they wanted him to do, heard their stories, touched them.  He acknowledged them and had relationships with them, although perhaps, briefly.  We can see that as we watch Pope Francis move through his visit in the US.  It was so moving to see him beckon a little five year old girl to come over to the popemobile so he could bless her and acknowledge her. We can spend a lifetime learning to let another person feel we acknowledge them and care about what they are sharing with us. So, today, as we move through our newly autumn Thursday, let's be very aware of acknowledging all we meet.  Even if it is just a nod and a smile as we pass by them on the sidewalk or in the hall.  Every single person is valuable and well worth acknowledging!  Love, heidi

Mercy, not sacrifice

"Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'"

Matthew 9:13

 

We all will do well to listen to Jesus, here, and do the same. Pope Francis has declared a Year of Mercy, beginning later this year. There are already signs that this Year will have real legs on it--signs of forgiveness and reconciliation from the church toward those who feel on the fringe. The pope has already shown that this Year of Mercy is not just a nice idea to get his name in the papers. The Year of Mercy is a chance for each one of us to look deep inside and see where we can extend forgiveness and mercy in our own lives.  Are there past hurts we can forgive and, thus, really put in the past? Are there people with whom we haven't talked in a while we can reach out and reconnect? Are there people with whom we struggle that we could embrace? What will the Year of Mercy look like in our own lives? What can we do to spark merciful change? Real Mercy. Real Forgiveness. Real Change. "I desire mercy, not sacrifice."  Love, heidi