“Misery loves….”

I bet you thought “company.” I heard someone say this and it got me thinking.

What, exactly does misery love?

Does misery love – love? Is misery just searching for an extended hand of love? We are all miserable at times and it doesn’t mean we want “company.” Sometimes it’s the contrary. But there’s that one special person that can turn misery into a fine powder blown away by a light breeze.

Does misery love hope? Maybe misery is looking for something to hang on to, something to look forward to, even if it’s just the end of misery.

Does misery love the passage of time? Maybe you know that there is a solid reason to be miserable and the passage of time is the only means of mending. Maybe talking about the sorrow makes it seem like time is passing and the obligatory mourning period will soon be over.

I am in no way saying we should complain and subject others to our every little needy whim. But how often do we stop and REALLY think, “Why does he/she complain so much?” Perhaps there is no love that dissolves the sorrow. Perhaps it seems hope is lost. Perhaps moving forward has been a struggle making the passage of time fruitless.

As I mull over these thoughts of misery’s sharing purpose, I ask myself, “Can I help?” Yes, there are times when there is a pattern that isn’t mine to break, but I owe it to those in my path to at least listen with an open heart.

My point? Just listen. Do what you can and if that doesn’t help, know that you tried.

God Bless.