“It’s been a hard day’s night…”
It was the third day in a row waking from a formal event the night before. Being up for the event, doing my part to help it come off, getting my lines right, and sharing a smile with visitors and first timers was just the beginning. My lament the morning after was not a complaint in any way. Rather it reflected the exhaustion that had permeated every part of me.
As I reflected on others present in at least two of the events, they appeared to be struggling with a similar level of exhaustion! While they had dressed up well, their eyes gave it away. A lack of sleep, lots of stress, and too much good food and drink had consumed every bit of the reserves. The near perfect phrase to describe the collective energy level came from an old psalm; “My jaws ache from gritting my teeth; I’m nothing but skin and bones.” (Psalm 102.5)
As hallow as everyone felt, the final evening was for a great cause. We smiled, pushed on, and celebrated as it became clear the gala was going to be a success. It was good to be part of it all. Beneath the glitz, the charity targeted children, especially girls, and giving them an opportunity to read and pursue their studies. It was a cause worthy of our best.
As I left I realized that the hollowness we felt within us was metaphoric of the gap in so many lives around us. Individuals starving for friendship and acceptance. Children fighting for a chance to learn, not only for the fun of learning but because of the opportunities they hoped would follow.
As I sang the Beatles tune to myself, I realized what binds us. We laugh and cry, driven by similar angst, cheered by similar hopes. We hope against our fears we will be loved, cherished, and accepted. Most of all, we long to know that we belong. Without belonging, we are truly hollow. It is not about the energy; it is about the heart.
