On the outside looking in…

Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Heb 13:2

We have all experienced, at one time or another, being on the outside looking in. Whether at school when class mates chose to draw their circle leaving us out, or moving to a new community or a new job where we didn’t know a soul, and had trouble finding our way around, we knew it felt a bit lonely, a bit awkward. How thankful we were for those who reached out and took us in, helping us feel included!

Being on the outside of the circle doesn’t feel all that good. We don’t always understand what is going on, we often jump to the wrong conclusions, and at times we find ourselves to be anxious because of it all.

The lines of circles are drawn innocently enough by the language we speak, the places where we live or work, the friendships we have. They connect us, and help us build community. The challenge is to recognize that what helps us belong and feel safe can also make others feel left out.

Sometimes we feel like we are on the outside of the circle looking in with friends we have not seen for years, or even associates with whom we haven’t worked for a couple of shifts. Patients can find themselves in a foreign land with names of places that are not familiar and a language of “hospital-eez” that is very different. We all can recognize the look of the lost visitor as we travel the hallways.

Being on the outside is something we each need to be aware of as it takes an understanding heart, and a watchful eye to recognize those who find themselves on the outside looking in.

The Bible reminds us to reach out to strangers and include them, to bring them into the circle of “hospital-ity,” for in so doing we care for some pretty important people…someone’s mom, or dad, someone’s son or daughter, brother or sister.

Try pausing for a moment today and consider the circles that put folk on the outside and make an effort to redraw them. Expand them so you can bring others in to feel that they belong, to feel safe again. It might take a smile, a brief conversation, a look or a hallway walk to their destination, but each time you do it you redraw the circle to include, instead of exclude.

Think about this little poem by Edwin Markham called “Outwitted”:

He drew a circle that shut me out--
Heretic, a rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!

In a couple of minutes you will be seeing a friend or a co-worker, you will make a phone call or walk down the hallway. Draw your circle with love, reach out and bring others in through your words, smiles and deeds.

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it. 1 Thess 5:11

Blessings to each of you as you bless others this week!

Peter

Peter Bath, D.Min.
V.P Spiritual Wellness & Human Development
Shawnee Mission Medical Center