At times in my life I’ve been very close and directly connected to people living through some
kind of horrific experience. There is something about being present to pain – doing what’s asked
and just that. Service of the simplest kind. I have crystal clear memories of those moments with
people in unthinkable situations and there is a sacred feel to the exchange when we’re willing
to be present.

When I am reading these same stories in the latest headlines or when they’re spewing forth on
my feed, I feel sick. Drained. Helpless. The weight of all that loss and suffering. I’m never
overwhelmed in the arena. Present. But the grinding lurid recounting of it all. For likes and
clicks and reactions – yeah, that shreds me.

A couple of hours spent working to fix or change or realign or just listening to someone pour
out their story and I’m restored. Reminded of what we’re like when we’re at our best. Caring
for one another.

Service can be simple. Service repairs. And helping the helpers counts twice.

PS. As usual, I wrote this for me and maybe for you too.