From what I have seen it's a mix of people serving- I know one lady who takes her six children to some groups when she serves, another lady who does counselling takes her baby. They probably would step back if they could, but they see needs not being met and in obedience sacrificially serve. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
There was a period when I was at church several days a week. I attended two bible studies, classes on theology, spiritual warfare, finance and ministering to Muslims, two small groups plus I visited in others, served on the leadership team, helped a friend with her breakfast ministry, co-led an Alpha group, ministered to the homeless in my neighborhood, went through a missionary prep program and attended monthly missionary meetings.
And I still had time for lengthy prayer sessions, lectio divina, a multi year fasting practice, laboring for an unsaved person for several years, and much needed forays to the monastery. It was appropriate for that season while discerning my calling. Now I know what He needs my focus is elsewhere.
For some people it might be very challenging indeed time wise. But also these groups who would need a lot of support:
Elderly, many housebound, alone, not on many priority lists sadly.
My plate is full in that respect. In addition to my parents I have two unmarried relatives all seventy or older. While they don’t require my assistance now that will change in the future. By this time next year I’ll be living overseas and attending school full-time, putting things in place for a familial homestead while running a business. Not to mention the requisite events in relation to my studies and time needed for project completion. I’m not taking anything on until they’re settled.
Survival of the fittest re: compassion. Will we try to get ahead or fall back to help the chap with the limp even if by helping we come last in the race.
The world is sink or swim but few possess that mindset. People who think like that don’t complain or have pity parties. They’re very steely. Self-interested is a better descriptor and it has degrees.
No one wants to fail. They want to accomplish their dreams and have the things they’ve worked towards understandably. Nevertheless, we recognize unfair advantages exist in all areas: parental, financial, health, educational, career, social, and relational.
Can you balance the scales? No. The best you can do is provide assistance to make things better to some degree. But it won’t erase the reality of the lack, the mental duress or pain they experienced from its absence. They’ll always know how things should have been.
I was fortunate to be born in a multi generational Christian family on both sides. I don’t know how far it goes back but God was always there. They possess a togetherness I don’t often encounter in families. Every link matters and none are left behind. I think it has a lot to do with our faith and the lessons they handed down.
I’m taking my loved ones with me. My success is theirs. It’s a wonderful feeling.
The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Disabled and elderly aren't high on the social invitation, churches can seem impossibly cliquey for those with special needs. Some people are whispering 'help me' softly to us.
I knew very little about mental health and social issues beyond depression before I came here. It was pretty eye opening. It’s human nature to seek likeminded company. We want to be with others who share our interests and passions. It’s easy to forget those who fall outside those parameters. Sometimes work, school, church and activities expose us to people we wouldn’t encounter otherwise and that’s beneficial.
I agree with what you're saying up to a point but I think for many it's a dream without lots of support. I think we all need to be compassionate and aware of those who are falling behind socially and help sacrificially.
Everyone can’t meet every one where they are. We carry different things in our tool belt and each is purposeful. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t get involved. I know my flock and serving them affects me. It’s a spiritual burden I embrace with gratitude. They’re the reason I’m on this path and I don’t regret it.
~bella