"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."
-Romans 12:15-16
My cousin recently had a baby, and it was amazing to see our entire extended family so excited for her. We celebrated the birth and continue to love on her little baby boy every time we get to visit. Those joyous visits often stand in contrast with the rest of my life. I work in an Emergency Room, where I interact with patients and family members who experience tremendous loss. On numerous occasions, I have held the hand of dying patients and prayed with them, comforted family members as they make end of life plans for loved ones, and held phones and iPads in closed rooms to prevent infection as relatives say their last goodbyes.
While welcoming a new baby and holding the hand of someone dying seem on opposite ends of the spectrum, they help me discover my purpose. No matter where I find myself, I am designed to build relationships. Realizing this purpose allows me to rejoice with others in times of celebration, to mourn with those who are experiencing great loss, and to know this call to be relational is not limited to family or friends. The call for us to be relational people, to mourn with those who mourn, and to celebrate with those who rejoice, includes all people whom we encounter.
Who do you need to be more relational with? What is the first step you can take to begin to rejoice or mourn with them?
Author: Carrie Hubert
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