what I learned this week

This past week has been one of those draining weeks.  It seemed like bad news came from every direction.
First, my friend, Tish, which by the way is doing amazing; her pacemaker was literally coming out of her skin, staph infection and now recovering at home less than a week later.
Second, gym/church friend's brother-in-law killed in a motorcycle wreck.
Thirdly, friend of a friend, chokes on her dinner at a restaurant, begins to seize and has been on life support for over a week.  Seizures every 20 minutes for over 10 days straight.  Mom to 3 young children, younger than me; family says their goodbyes and takes her off life support, 48 hours later she is still breathing on her own, but in a coma, i.e. you can pray for this one.
Fourthly, very good college friend's son, who is now missionary in South Africa, (3 months older than R2) is found in the bottom of a pool.  He is on life support in an African hospital fighting for his life, Andrew, yeah you should be praying for this one too.
And hopefully lastly, a very upsetting situation for a friend that Ben and I have been made aware of.  Cannot share any more on the topic.
All that to say, God put most of the people on my heart in the past 2-4 weeks multiple times.  Their names would come up or I would think about them, randomly and I mean randomly; did I act on any of those thoughts?  Nope.  I know I cannot carry everyone's burdens, but I know there are lonely, hurting and sick all around me and I have to slow down sometimes to just reach out to someone.  Lord, teach me to love one another and really love them.  To get out of my 4walls and stop hiding behind the fact I am "just too busy".  Lord, please touch those that are hurting and even fighting for their lives and turn these situations for good.
So, what I learned, when God puts someone on your heart, you should probably act on it.