Walking home on the crunchy snow that lights up a December evening, I felt so thankful. The revelation that fellowship and being together is the best gift you can give someone, and realising that although it might seem small, it can turn into something big when a person feels seen and valued.
Yesterday I helped out with a crafts workshop for a group of lovely women volunteering for Crux where I worked before (well, in all honesty: they were making angels while I ate Christmas cookies, Quality Street chocolate, and chatted). I love walking alongside people in conversation, and realise sharing life for 2 hours can last so much longer in value and experience.
This evening we had our Christmas dinner for volunteers and people who are part of my current job. It was a delightful evening with many nations gathered around the same table…. eating the same food… and for a few hours creating a small fellowship moment that will become a good memory for the future. Often in my job the focus is on handling crises and navigating the Norwegian systems. Sometimes it means listening for an hour to the “waiting music” before getting to talk to someone who might or might not be able to help. Other times it’s listening to someone’s story and being present. And often it’s reminding the other that if we walk step by step we will find the way. This evening I was together with some of those I have stood with in crises, tried to find out the system with, listened to, and even hugged when their despair became too much to comfort with only words. And seeing them get dressed up and meet around a celebration was so encouraging. Giving me courage to keep persevering and keep hoping when hopelessness so easily can take over a situation.
I arrive home with yet more chocolate in my bag. Chocolate given to me as a gift. “Thank you for helping me and believing me!”, is the message that is given with this token of gratitude. And of course I receive the thanks, but I also thank them. Thank them for giving me the gift of their trust, and for letting me become part of their journey. And thanking them for allowing me to speak what I see in them, when they are simply trying to survive. And I thank them for who they are, and tell them that my life is also impacted by their life. That they impact my heart.
My thoughts remain reflecting as I am sat here in my rocking chair, trying to get warm in front of my gas oven. And I catch myself thinking whether it might very well be that I am the one who really has received the most in all of this, and I feel so very grateful.