Day 3

Sorry for the delay, folks, I’m at my Church Weekend and the internet was spotty, but as you can see, I’m here and ready to report.

*Cocky, ironic, yet sincere salute*

How did I agape today?

Glad you asked. ;)

Today’s agape was quiet. Today’s intentional agape was quiet. A woman here from my church is going through a lot and I asked her questions and let her talk. This may seem like common decency to some of you, but it’s a fear of mine. When I was younger, other people’s pain became my pain. I wasn’t judging or fearful, I was tired. I know what it’s like to bear a load alone and I thought by making their pain my pain, I was helping.
Maybe it did, but I couldn’t do it anymore. I would run from painful situations and not deal with them. So today, I faced my fear and just listened. It was like walking with a friend, rather than trying to carry her. Remarkably, this had never occurred to me. I was always trying to go “above and beyond” and some nights it really is a gentle hand squeeze that is all that is needed.

I clarified earlier about today’s intentional agape because today was a blessing. I was happy on the bus, smiling at people. I was happy chatting to some 20 year old who got me to buy paintball passes. It’s a stellar deal, and I won (if I ever go paintballing – and I want to!) and he won (made his sale) and we won with the banter and the chat. It was lovely. Then I was kind to the clerk at the ticket booth because all the machines had malfunctioned and the dude standing behind me needed to back down. I firmly gave him the “back off” look and took my time with the clerk and spoke kindly and hopefully encouragingly.

I was happy and I just spent about 30 minutes in prayer. Because if one is going to give it out, one must fill up on the Heavenly Goodness.

Truth.

So, I’m knackered, mates. And I wish you good nights and happy days :)