Roses in the Rubble

“I have learned now that while those who speak about one’s miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more.” C.S. Lewis

Misery may love company, but not always. Sometimes we are misery martyrs, preferring to wallow in our misery in a vigil of isolated silence. We feel so bad about ourselves we never seek company to share our misery. We suffer alone.

Then there’s the other extreme – we become misery magnets. When we are miserable we want everyone around us to be miserable, too. With our misery we lash out, making everyone we come in contact with miserable.

Into every life the rain of misery and pain falls. Sometimes it’s a light sprinkle, but more often than not misery monsoons its way into our lives.

Sickness, loss, physical pain, heart pain, break-ups, shake-ups, and too few make-ups.

Misery loves company, because company (the good kind) can relieve bits of our misery by sharing the burden of our pain. Company can’t take the pain away, but company (the good kind) says, “We’re here for you, with you, as you deal with your pain.”

Good company (the cheer-up kind) does tangible stuff to ease as much misery as possible, but also sits and listens. If misery doesn’t want to talk about it, good company quietly holds our hands and hearts letting us know we are loved.

If storm clouds of misery and pain are blustering your life, don’t be a misery magnet or a misery martyr. Invite the company of family and friends into the corridors of your pain. Set places for them in your heart to share what you’re going through. Let them bring meals of comfort and understanding to digest your hurt, to companion you in your journey.

Misery loves company, because company (the good kind) is good for misery.

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

grace, peace & company (the good kind)

Virginia : )

Photos: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge