Sharing Pockets

I don't think you ever learn everything about anyone, no matter how long you know them, or how well.  There's always another pocket somewhere. -Nora Roberts, Bed of Roses

Pockets.  We all have them.  Some are shallow pockets.  Right out front.  Ones that are easy for people to see.  It's where we keep the little things.  Maybe a tub of chapstick, some loose change, a bobby-pin.  There are medium pockets.  Tucked into the sides of a shirt or the front of a favorite pair of jeans.  It's for our cell phones or iPods, where we keep that extra $20.  

But then there are those deep pockets.  That spot that holds a picture of a loved one, our ID, maybe a small token that means a lot.  It's a pocket that doesn't often get shared.  It's hidden in the lining of a jacket, deep inside a purse or briefcase.  It's ours.  It's safe.  It's secure.

I am not someone who has a ton of friends.  And in those relationships that I do have I often feel I take on the role of listener, of helper.  But how much do I really know about these people?  And how much am I sharing?  Am I just sharing that outside, shallow pocket?  Or am I making the effort to dig deep?  To reach inside the lining, and sharing something of value.  How often do we really listen?  How often do we really share?  

In the age of text messaging, emailing, skype-ing it seems we are always connected.   But are we connected or just dialed in?  How much do you know about the people in your life?  I am challenging myself to really plug in to my interactions with people this week.  To really listen.  To share new pockets with them.

Remember to live the best you can.  To tell the people you love that you love them.  If you're waiting for a sign, this is it.  Many things in life can wait, The Sunset Won't.