It is a practice I learned from a retired pastor many years ago, and I am so glad I decided to make it a part of my professional life – it’s called empathy. I think about empathy as a way to let others know that they matter. It is especially important to be empathetic during times of the year when we are surrounded by messages of joy and laughter and happiness, because not everyone feels those emotions in the same way. It is easy to get caught up in the hype of Christmas, especially when we have children who are looking forward to receiving – and maybe giving – gifts of the season. It is easy to watch those Hallmark movies that always seem to have happy endings, even though we all know that reality is quite different. A little empathy goes a long way.
There are a lot of people who are facing serious financial problems, while many others are facing their first Christmas or New Year’s Eve without a loved one. Christmas puts a lot of economic stress on families, and this year seems to be harder than many recent years. My urban church has seen an increase in need, whether it is meeting basic needs or trying to get a couple gifts for the people you love. For some, the loss of jobs has forced big changes in the ways they can celebrate; there’s always a lot of pressure to do more than you’ve done before, and churches, as much as we try, can’t fill those voids.
A little empathy will go a long way. Did you take a nice trip this year? Maybe you shouldn’t talk too much about it. Do you know someone who is facing the holidays without a loved one? Maybe you could call them and tell them you are thinking about them as they are missing that person. Do you have a friend or family member who is going through divorce or is facing estrangement in their family? Maybe you can be a willing listener, ready to sit down with a cup of coffee for an hour. A little empathy can go a long way, and you can be a source of connection when someone is feeling lost or alone. Be thankful for how great life is going – and be sensitive to those who are having a tough time. You can make them feel loved and seen and heard. And thanks for being there for them. It means more than you can imagine.
Prayer – Holy God, help us to see others in times of need – and help us to be seen as well. Amen.
Today’s art is “Is There Room for Empathy?” by Enni-Kukka Tuomala.