Whilst there is life there is hope, there is opportunity.

Death delivers permanence.

Life offers hope.

Death leads to dead ends.

Life offers opportunities.

Until death, cease life.

Until death, explore opportunities.

No living relationship is dead, a choice was made to not breath life into it.

“I experience death in life.

They live as though I am dead.”

I live in hope.

I live in love.

But Life brings permanence.

“I live in despair.

I live in a different world.

Opportunities are for others.

Hope is not a word I know.”

“All is vapour, a wisp of the air” says the writer of Ecclesiastes.  He concludes “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.”

Life is a person. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life”.  There is life, there is opportunity, to all.

Been there, done that!

“Been there, done that”, is used to communicate that either I or others have either physically or emotionally walked the same path. To me it comes across as a bit harsh, brash and un-sympathetic. Often we use it to implicitly indicate “tick that one, onto the next”. If all we did is “collect the t-shirt”, then I wonder how deep and caring a person are we.

When I am confronted or hear of others who are walking a journey of trails, that I too have walked, then what is my response? I read of a 14 year old girl who has committed suicide due to the pressure of bullying. I remember those times when Mike was bullied. I remember those initial hours of disbelief that Mike died (no connection between bullying and his death), my point, I have “been there done that”. .  But what am I going to do with that experience? How do I respond when I hear of others around me experiencing the pain, anguish, situation or trial I have?

I am of the conclusion that practical demonstration is so powerful to show love. That practical demonstration could be simply presence, or an uncomplicated regular phone call, doing some day to day chores around the persons house.

May be I don’t know the person but I can find a way to send a message of hope, care and love.