Happy Monday!
Why is it that short weeks feel longer? The past week was packed with activities, so I hope you created opportunities to rest and rebalance over the weekend. However, some of us need a little nudge to remember to save time for self-care. If you’re one of those people, find a friend or loved one who will help you be accountable for your wellbeing. It’s incredible how far a little downtime will get you in the coming week.
I had a conversation over the weekend that reminded me of the power of invitation. Unfortunately, we live in a world that has become frightened of the unknown and reluctant to reach out for connection. I read an article just the other day that reported a large proportion of Americans are dealing with an enormous amount of anger, for example. This challenging emotion leaves little room for negotiation or even conversation at times. We’re afraid to add to our discomfort, so we internalize, recluse, and disconnect from others who may have the ability to speak into our lives and the lives of others. As a result, we neglect to invite others into our space or miss the chance to recognize an invitation to meet them in theirs.
Extending invitations appears in different ways. For example, we might invite a friend or neighbor to join us for an iced tea on the lawn or some open space. We may invite questions from our children, colleagues, or students. Perhaps we extend an invitation to someone to provide a safe environment to begin a healing process. The subtle art of invitation can be a thoughtful look, a welcoming smile, a warm handshake, or simply a quiet, understanding space for reflection.
Kris Vallotton, an American author, and leader in cultural transformation, is credited with these thoughts on invitation:
Invitations spread through all aspects of our wellbeing. For example, trainers invite us to improve our physical wellbeing, while counselors provide invitations to heal and reconcile our emotional and mental states. Clubs and group settings invite us to improve our social wellbeing, and spiritual guides, pastors, and faith communities extend invitations to strengthen our spiritual wellness.
Have you ever experienced, in prayer or meditation, the inspiring invitation to go deeper in your relationship with God? It may have been time outside with nature, a refreshing time of quiet mindfulness or an impression or vision of loving arms extended in welcoming safety.
And, how about these invitations from Scripture:
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” Isaiah 55:1-3 (NIV)
“For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes.” Matthew 25:35 (TLB)
“Then the angel told me, “Put this in writing. God will bless everyone who is invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” The angel also said, “These things that God has said are true.”” Revelation 19:9 (CEV)
Invitations are an essential aspect of extended unconditional regard to those in our lives. To invite allows the receiver to feel special, wanted, and valued. To be invited is encouraging, validating, and heart-warming. Consider, this week, the invitations you receive and remain open to the prospects. Also, reflect on to whom you might extend an invitation to lay a foundation of inclusion, allow a chance for cooperative reflection, or simply to appreciate a friend.
Most of us just need an invitation to help us move into a more positive mindset, and that’s a great place to be!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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