I shared this thought at church last night,
But felt I did it an injustice.
That is often the case when the
Subject Matter is close to your heart.
None of us are perfect, but some things we are good at.
Like being on time, early, and ready to go anywhere, anytime
And even faithful to our words and promises
But sometimes, though intentions are good, we just ain’t there!
Many years ago, someone close to me when through
A very uncomfortable family situation. Divorce. Kids.
I was young and dumb and just thought it would work out.
Little did I know the long-term effect. And I wasn’t there.
I’ve been through many deaths in my life,
A large family on both sides dictates that someone will pass
I’ve stood in as pallbearer, friend, and family, and even spoke a time or two.
But there’s nothing like being there after the shovel is put away.
I don’t want to be intrusive or obnoxious. Please, don’t let it seem so.
What can I do? Let me fill the gap and stand in front of the storm.
Nothing is more important than including the feeling of loss
It’s my repertoire of knowing what to say, when to go, and when to be quiet.
We internalize our position and worry about storing it inside.
It will stew, cook, bake, and boil. Eventually, it’s gone.
Or it’s just a mess, and we don’t know what to do.
Let me say this to you. I continue to learn how to Just Be There.
At times we come across as indifferent or even stern.
It’s not always the case. What do we feel? We can’t describe it.
What we think we should do is bottled up inside.
I’ve found ways to release the power of showing I care.
Silent. Quiet. Quick to step in and help.
I want to be there for whatever you need.
That’s my strength. Trust me. It’s here whenever you need.
I stepped into a local store recently, and an elderly man smiled at me,
He tipped his hat. How are you? I was tired. Church had been long.
My mind wasn’t ready just yet to engage.
I smiled back, “I’m fine. How are you doing?”
As he munched a cookie from the bakery, he pushed his hat back,
And said with a grin: “I just saw the best movie I’ve ever seen!”
I’m sure he did, and had, and was ready to share.
He could not remember the name but rattled some pieces off
And assured me he had seen something he thought was good.
He scratched his head. “I’ll remember. Give me some time.
Get your shopping done. If I remember it, I’ll track you down!”
And that’s just what he did as I was heading out of the store.
He gave me the name and a big ol’ smile, “You have a nice day!”
And he punched that battery shopping chair and looped back in.
I’m not sure why it matters, but it most certainly does.
This man just proved my point. He mattered. I mattered.
And he wanted to be there. And, maybe, I was there for him.
This is what I know. When someone is going through a trial,
They need someone to just be there. There’s nothing more important
Knowing that someone else cares enough to show up.
Perhaps a smile, a word of consolation, a pat on the back,
And the feeling they will help carry your load.
Why? How? It’s no secret, and we all know this to be true.
Our most important job is this: Just Be There.