So you feel invisible?

I have been thinking about this for a while. It might be my mom heart, or maybe it's just part of my gift to try to include everyone. As I listen to the people around me say they feel alone, it makes me sad. So many people feel like they don't have any friends. Kids can be mean, and they don't usually try to include everyone. If you are a teenager, try to include everyone. Elderly people feel like they don't have purpose. Have you ever tried to say hello to an elderly person at the store? Usually they light up and for one second they feel like they matter.  

Think back to a time where you had to walk into a new space, new activity or maybe even a regular activity. Were you met with welcoming eyes, smiles and warmth, or were you met with glares, rolling eyes and a cold shoulder? Sometimes we feel like everyone is staring and wondering why we are there. Eye contact makes someone feel included, but withholding eye contact can signal exclusion. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel like you are invisible or rejected, remember how you feel at that very minute. In the future when you are in familiar territory and someone new walks up looking for acceptance, be the person you needed in that situation. Remember how it feels to be rejected, or excluded so that you can help someone to feel included. We all want to belong and be welcomed, and made to feel seen. Do you realize that it only takes one person to take away that feeling of being invisible? Life gets busy and we get into our comfort zones but don't ever forget that you the power to change lives. You can use your hands as a voice! Use your hands to serve! Reach out to others.Never let someone feel alone in a crowd. There's room for everyone. 

My work theme for 2018 is "Together".  I have been thinking about this all day. Did you know that you can take someone from outsider to insider, from outcast to included member, from feeling invisible to feeling loved. Don't underestimate the power you hold as ONE person to save the life of another. All it takes is to notice. You can ask others to join you, send a text to invite. Sometimes you may feel like you are hugging a cactus, but that's ok because you can instantly make a difference. While some will teach you who you DON'T want to be, others will teach you who you DO want to be. Together we can make this world a better place. We can be Heavenly Father's hands and be the answer to a prayer.