Extending a bit of grace, making an impact

I was reflecting today and it occurred to me that in this time when we can have so much interaction with people through social media and other things like that that there is never been more of a chance for people to mask the difficulties they have. I saw a story on USA Today that talked about the wife of the Obama staff member who apparently committed suicide a couple of days ago. This lady left behind three young children and of course her husband. A friend recounted how he had talked to the lady only a day before to discuss some plans for the future.

What I conclude is that we simply don’t know where most people are even when were having conversations and contact with them on a day-to-day basis. People that are suffering are usually doing so at a variety of different levels. At the worst level of course a person may have to be hospitalized because they simply cannot function on a day-to-day basis. However, many people who are struggling with very serious illnesses still carry on jobs, family lives and community activities. These people may look seemingly satisfied or may even be outgoing and happy but at the same time may being enduring inner turmoil and pain that words simply cannot express.

I am writing this to express my thoughts and also as a reminder to me when someone frustrates me or disappoints me that there may be many unknown reasons behind the actions. I don’t write this to excuse poor behavior but to encourage sympathy and empathy since many times we simply don’t know the struggles that the person across the aisle, in the other car were on the other end of the phone has.

Whether it is in person, over the phone or even on Twitter, when you feel upset or want to lash out against someone who as exhibited seemingly poor behavior, consider extending them a bit of grace.

I know that I need grace as much as anybody but it is difficult to expect it from other people if I do not extended myself.  Have you had a chance to extend a bit of perhaps “social” grace to someone recently?