I just finished reading a book called It Wasn't Me by Dana Alison Levy. In the book, there was a quote that has really made an impact on me; "Be kind- for there are others fighting unseen battles." This quote is a constant reminder to me that people are going through challenges on a day-to-day basis and may feel alone with nobody to turn to. I want to always be there and support my friends and family in these struggles, even though I know that I have to put myself first at times.
This past week, I lost someone special in my life. He didn't die or anything, but we were drifting apart and we lost our relationship with one another. However, I don't feel really upset about it. I have learned from other friendships that losing people in your life is normal and to not stress and cry over something twice. I've learned to let the small things go, yet tell people how I feel if something they've done bothers me. I know I have amazing friends by my side no matter what and that they will always treat me better than anyone else.
This past weekend, I went to a Lenten Retreat with my church youth group. The main topic we were discussing was Our Community As One. We talked about the different communities we were apart of and our responsibilities within them. We also got to know our youth group community better and explore the Divine Liturgy for the Armenian Church Service. In the Divine Liturgy, there are many different hymns and prayers that we recite that help us comprehend that the Armenian Church is a community of worship. Our sacraments are community gatherings where we see baptisms, marriages, and Holy Communion.
Something else that I have been thinking about since the retreat was when we had time to ask questions to the priests there. They told us that, like everyone else, they too get burned out sometimes. They have many sacraments they must attend to per week, and write a meaningful sermon for every Sunday. When someone is severely ill, they have to find words to help them. As a Christian, we look up to our priests for advice and words when we are down, but who helps them when they are burned out? Some turn to God, to their families and spouses, or even to other priests. Sometimes we are so focused on the hardships in our lives that we forget to enjoy the life around us. So for this new week, I suggest that we all enjoy the life around us and to be kind to all :)
