Sharing is more than being kind. Teaching children to share is a deeper lesson than I used to understand. Sharing is so much more. There’s a power in it I discovered the day after I had dinner with my friend Cheryl.
We hadn’t seen each other in quite a while. We used to get together once a month. Then life got busy and before we knew it a year had passed. I missed her so I texted her to see if we could get together and share a meal like before.
She was delighted I’d asked and we set it up. We met up at a restaurant like we’d done before and had a great time.
Sharing that time together was so sweet that I still felt its power the following day!
I felt silly at first because it seemed trivial what had triggered my emotional response. But that lingering sweetness was undeniable.
It was like my soul had eaten fine chocolate and the taste was still in my mouth. The chocolate was an unexpected sharing.
Cheryl and I didn’t know each other when we were younger so when she mentioned a certain location in her story something came alive in me. I knew that place!
I was transported to that location with her via my own memories. We talked about the location and I reminisced as her sharing brought old memories in me to life. This created an overlap in our lives.
I felt connected to her in a deeper way than I had before.
Sharing connects us to each other.
Sharing connects us to each other. Share on X
Power in connecting
There are levels of sharing. Each level has the power to build a deeper relationship. Not all sharing is deep and bonding, but it can be.
For example, sharing a seat on the subway in silence versus sharing a joke and some laughter with someone. Both are sharing the same experience physically but the difference is the emotional connection or lack of.
Sharing a meal is a great way to connect. There’s always emotion involved when there’s food. Sharing a meal also creates plenty of space for conversation.
Conversation is sharing. By definition, a conversation is an exchange. It’s what we exchange that can bind us together.
Sharing memories is a powerful tool to build with. When we share memories they come alive.
When we begin to share from our hearts we begin to build a bond.
Sharing has the power to bind us together.
Sharing has the power to bind us together. Share on X
Power in bonding
Young children don’t want to share. They have to learn how. It’s more than teaching them to be kind. They need to learn what’s theirs before they can learn to share. Sharing what belongs to them helps them build relationships and learn interdependence.
Learning who we are what is ours is the beginning of independence. But true satisfaction is found in interdependence.
Interdependence requires sharing.
The bond of sharing creates a oneness in relationships. What I called an overlap with my friend Cheryl.
Sharing is an exchange within the circle of love empowering us to live loved. The Bible says two is better than one because the friend helps the other when they fall.
God created man to increase His circle of love. Then He said it wasn’t good for man to be alone so He created Eve for a companion—one who would be one with him. And then when man fell Jesus completed the circle of love inviting us to be one with Him.
Sharing is love in motion.
Sharing is love in motion. Share on X
Power in love
When my friend and I shared something as simple as a location love was there.
Sharing is emotionally connecting through an experience of some sort. Thought, action, memory…
Sharing is love and love is the power of life.
Sharing is love and love is the power of life. Share on X
Take action
- Connect with someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Face to face if possible. It’s so easy for us to get lost in our technology (social media, texting etc).
- Connect with someone new if you’re feeling brave and adventurous.
- Share with me in the comments.
- Can I share this with you? It’s free Compassion Was Born
I just love the way you write! It’s such an easy read and you always make a great point!
Thank you, Michael. I’m blessed and humbled by your words.
Danielle,
You nailed it.
Nothing can replace meeting and sharing in person.
We are all so “busy.’
And in the process neglect our friends.
Perhaps they only need us to text and pick up the phone and share a meal or a “long coffee.”
Thank you, Danie.
I’m so thankful I reached out.
You’re right and I understand we have time constraints. But we make time for the things we deem important, even if it’s just a “long coffee” it means a lot.
I am writing a book that is called the power of sharing. please send me your notes in this regard.