Small Gestures

I realize part of what I’m missing during this pandemic quarantine period. I am missing the small gestures.

I ran across a video challenge from Matthew Hussey, a relationship coach, to begin to make the small gestures for people who are important: Family members, friends, work colleagues, acquaintances, anyone who makes a difference to you or someone you’d like to impact. He suggested making a list and then at a rate of one per week, do something for each person you know will be an encouragement to them. Successful encouragement requires knowing a person well enough to have a hint of what their primary love language is, as described by Gary Smalley at www.5lovelanguages.com. Fortunately, most of the people on my small gestures list are close friends or family and I have a fairly good idea what each of them needs. One of my dearest friends was the recipient of my first small gesture, a message saying how much I appreciate her. By God’s grace, more will follow.

One of my life purposes is to be an encourager. It started long ago, after I was born again, and has grown me up in many ways, especially with words. I actively look for ways to encourage people who come across my path, but, with the quarantine, those opportunities have wound down to a limited number organically.

So, the challenge prompted me to choose to be proactive instead. I realize that by not doing the small gestures, what I really miss is connection. Hopefully, making these small gestures should positivity impact my sense of belonging. Feeling unconnected is injurious to all of us – it yields loneliness in the extreme. Disconnection and being unable to see friends and family face to face are particularly difficult for me, as my primary love language is and has always been physical touch. I receive others well, but the isolation has cut back on this needed language being spoken. I hope to see some family members soon, and their presence will make a difference to me. Pursuing connections in every possible form is my goal going forward as Paul encouraged the church to do:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation