A Simple Moment on the Way (06/09/2024)

The moment she saw me, she smiled and reached for her phone. She showed me the photo of her friend whom she’d recently lost in an accident. She shared with me memories of her friend and her sadness that she had been the only friend from the group who had attended the funeral. I could tell how much it meant to her to be able to share with another what was so filling her mind and her heart.

Bad things happen to good people all the time. How I wish it were not so; however, we know that it is. The good are not immune to suffering. But I was reminded by my visit with my friend how much it means to have another simply listen, to have another care about the invisible burden we carry.

As I reflected on my day and gave to the LORD those needs of others that I know I cannot meet, that I know only the LORD’s grace will resolve, I thanked the LORD for the blessing of this young woman in my life and asked for guidance and grace so that I might be the companion she needs at this time. I also asked the LORD to help her as only the LORD can. Then I thanked the LORD for reminding me of my role as companion to others on the way.

As companions, we are called to be open to the needs of others on the way. We are asked to take the time needed to listen and to care. Listening to another, sharing the moment and the burdens of life, is part of our journey. The gospel stories of Jesus’ care for the burdens of others aren’t just stories, they are examples of how we are to walk in His footsteps. And they are reminders to us to bring those needs to Christ in prayer.

Every day, if we are out and about, we encounter others and their needs. Every day, we are given the opportunities to walk a way with others, to share their burdens, to offer loving support and kindness, and every day we are given the opportunity to bring the real needs of others to our LORD in prayer.

As we journey in faith, buoyed by the hope of what is possible with our LORD, and fueled by the transformative love of our LORD, let us remain open to the needs of those whom we encounter, especially the need to be seen, to be heard, to be supported in their journey, and the need to know that they do not go alone.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.