God in Our Relationships

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A few years ago, I took care of a beautiful, elderly, blind, African American woman who was cared for by a gentle, sweet, elderly, white lady. No one could deny that this relationship was truly a spiritual one. In fact, I was so moved by their love and concern toward each other that I wrote a poem entitled "Two Gentle Ladies," which reads as follows:

Two Gentle Ladies
I knew two gentle ladies for years
One white, the other black
No fears
They sat and talked about their dreams
Without tears
Oh Lord! How they loved one another

I was always impressed with the "up" feeling that these women had. I often looked forward to going on a house call to see them. The actually made me feel spiritually better. Both of these lovely ladies have gone up yonder to be with their Lord. It seems that during the season between Thanksgiving and New Years, many folks experience a stage of depression. This usually is manifested by a person's withdrawing from friends and relatives. Occasionally, they also might feel suicidal. During this holiday season, some folks manifest an "up" feeling and begin to show great respect for one another in the streets, stores, public transportation and at work. There seems to be a real sense of cosmic, good energy that defies disrespect and unconcern.

The Christ-Mass reminds us of the love that we must share with each other and with those throughout the world. This belief is expressed beautifully in a book entitled God In Our Relationships. This book is about the spirituality between people and is from the teachings of Martin Buber as written about by Rabbi Dennis S. Ross. The book is published by Jewish Lights Publishing. In this book, the philosophy of the I-IT relationship to the I-Thou relationship is explored and demonstrates how one should relate to others in a positive manner

For those who might feel depression during this season, I propose that you heed the following suggestions:



Take time for quiet reflection and meditate on the importance of all life on this planet.
Be a carrier of good news and not the blues.
See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. Leave that to the monkeys.
Make sure that when someone leaves your presence, they feel better.
During a conversation with friends or enemies, just touch their arm or hand. A touch goes a long way.
Give a donation to that person on the street whom you have passed so often. The Salvation Army needs all they can get to help others.
Volunteer some of your time to a church or other institution such as hospital or nursing homes.
Make amends with those persons in your family with whom you have disagreed.
Call someone on the phone whom you haven't spoken to in a long time and tell him or her how much you miss his or her presence.
Give a lot, but save some for yourself.
Remember, love cannot be bought or stolen. I can only be given away.
Have a Blessed Season, because there is a Reason that you have been give space on this planet. -- Gerald W. Deas * Frost Illustrated *