The storms we encounter in life do not rain down the same on each of us.
We often look out the window and see others weathering their own trials and from the outside, we may assume we understand their burden, their storm.
But the truth is, even if we’re going through the same thing, we don’t all experience the same storm.
COVID reminded us of that.
For some, the storm may be no more than a passing shower, an inconvenience easily managed under the shelter of support or encouragement.
For others, it could be a relentless monsoon, soaking to the core, with no protection,
just sheer strength, resilience, or faith.
As we navigate our own hardships and witness the struggles of others, we’re reminded that life is rarely fair.
But empathy can be.
That is our quiet call-
to be softer.
Kinder.
To be slower to judge,
and quicker to help.
Because when we accept that we can’t truly know the depth of someone else’s storm,
when we understand we cannot fully grasp the exhaustion of their mind, body, or spirit,
or imagine the strength it takes to keep standing, holding the weight of an umbrella already overflowing with rain…
then, and only then,
can we begin to show up differently.
When we choose to be the rainbow in someone’s storm,
to offer a hand instead of an opinion,
to reach out instead of look away,
we honor the quiet but powerful connection of our shared humanity.
And in doing so,
with a little compassion,
and a bit of help,
we might just help each other
find a moment of shelter.
~mi
