I checked up on one of our youth in the church and I felt the heaviness of what she was feeling. She is anxious about many things. She detached herself from her friends, and she prefers not to accommodate casual conversations. She has her guards up, boundaries in place.

I may not fully understand what she's going through, I understand well the feeling of wanting to shut off from the rest of the world. Sometimes, relationships make us too tired. We try to be available for them, help them in their troubles, let them know that we got their backs. But at the end of the day, we long for someone who would do the same to us.

Relationships are messy. Human connections are complicated. That's why most are not into it. So when you find a true friend, consider yourself blessed. But when you lose a friend, it's as if you lose a huge part of yourself.

I also learned one thing with that encounter: that the world is in dire need of people who will intentionally check out on others.

We are our brother's keeper

Cain's sarcastic answer to God when asked about his brother Abel, is "am I my brother's keeper?". While we can't keep them in sight 24/7, we should at least check out on them from time to time. We are not to be invasive of their privacy and whereabouts, but at least we should care for them even in the slightest way. If neighbors help each other in times of emergencies and disasters, why not extend support even in the absence of emergencies? A simple, "is there anything I can help you with?", or "how's your day? I just want you to know that I'm here" can do wonders.

We may be the answer to their prayers

We may not be aware but some people in our sphere of influence are waiting for someone to send help. And perhaps we are the answer they have been waiting for! Only when we get out of our comfort zones and begin reaching out to these people, we can fully understand what it means to be a channel of blessing. The things we enjoy are not just meant for us to consume. We are blessed to bless others as well. A life that is shared with others is full and purposeful.

We are mandated to do so as Christians

There are 100 "One Another" verses in the New Testament. These verses are imperative, meaning these are not mere suggestions, but instructions. We are part of one Body and one family. If we don't care for those around us, we are also hurting ourselves. "Love others as you love yourself," says the second great commandment. With the same love we give ourselves, we should love others as well. Don't live for yourself.  

We are a part of a community

This means that being a Christian is not a solo journey. We cannot live on our own. We need others. We need to be connected to people. The church is meant as a community, where we foster relationships. Only in a community can we experience the transforming power of love, forgiveness, service, compassion, generosity, and many more. A life that is lived alone, detached from people, feels incomplete. We may need to stay away from people from time to time, but there will be a big vacuum if we will not reconnect with people as soon as possible.

My encounter with that youth is an eye-opener to me. I should be on the lookout for people who might need help. Sometimes I get too busy and focused on the victories that I fail to notice those around me who need a little push so they too can achieve their victories.

During the times when I was overwhelmed with emotions, I was longing for someone to check up on me. Now that I feel a bit OK, it's time I return the favor. Life offers us various challenges day in and day out. As long as we can, let's make it a bit easier for them.