The following blog is written by Chantal Huinink. She is a student who
is doing a student placement with us. She is currently pursuing a
double masters program in social work and divinity at Wilfred Laurier
University. We are so glad to have her with us. This is her
introduction blog. - Mark Wallace
A
Relational Lesson
By Chantal Huinink
Recently a colleague told me about a visit
to a group home to fulfill administrative responsibilities. While she was there
one of the residents remarked, "You're my friend right... So you are here
to visit me? And only me?” Following this woman's earnest expression of her
desire to spend time together, my coworker then adapted her plans so that she
could socially engage with her for a while.
There are important lessons to be learned
from this interaction. First, many of the people we serve desire relational
development as much or more than the physical and spiritual support they
receive. Second, God calls us to love everyone as we love ourselves [Mat
19:19]. However, many, if not all people seek affirmation and appreciation of
who we are as individuals. Furthermore we treasure special bonds with specific
people who connect with us uniquely. In the virtual world of e-mail and texting
it can be hard to give human relationships the attention they deserve.
Similarly, there is no disputing that
fellowship and community are extremely valuable aspects of church life that can
serve our spiritual, social and emotional well-being. However, I wonder if
there are times when God wants to affirm that you are there to spend time with
Him and only Him.
“Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted
by the nations, I will be exhausted in the earth.” - Psalm 46:10
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