“How are you doing?” she asked. Has anyone ever asked you this question. Maybe someone dear to you had just passed away. Maybe you or a loved one was about to have surgery. My eyes widened in surprise and pleasure as I recognized my friend who I had not heard from in a longtime on the phone. She was a friend I dearly love, but we live long-distance and don’t stay in close touch.
I explained to her the pressures of the moment and we talked awhile catching up on old friends, kids and church. I started to wonder when we’d get to the reason for her call. Finally, there was a pause, and she explained that she needed to go back to her work day in a minute.
I was stunned. That was it?
There was no other agenda or hidden need. My friend had just carved out the time in her day to call and check on me.
My friend was a widow whose precious husband died suddenly. She is dealing with raising children alone, running a business they used to manage as a couple and all the other curve-balls life inevitably throws our way. Yet she had made time in her day just to check in with me. I told her how grateful I was that she had been so intentional and kind.
That is when my friend explained that after her husband’s death, worship time at church was the time when the flood-gates of grief opened. She would often stand and cry throughout the service, pouring out her heart to God and receiving comfort from Him. And there was one woman who often sat by her and silently held her hand.
One woman in silence offering the ministry of her presence. What a profound gift. I had never thought of just a small sharing of my time and presence as a gift God has given us.
“I’ve learned how much sharing time means. If I can only run by and take a cake to someone who is hurting, I do it. All of life’s busyness can be overwhelming, but I make time for people now. People are the most important thing.” This coming from my friend who had suffered grief.
I thought of how my friend reflects Jesus—of how Jesus made people more important than His to-do list. There were so many He stopped for. Countless faces in the crowds who made Him pause, just because.
The woman at the well.
Zacchaeus.
The woman with the issue of blood.
His disciples.
Mary at His feet.
The list could go on and on.
As I write, I think about the day’s to-do list. A long list. There are lines and lines of things to do that aren’t checked off yet, calling my name.. They’re all important, but how do I process my list through today’s key verse? How do I become more like Jesus, numbering my days so that I might gain a heart of wisdom?
I think I’ll start a fresh to-do list and take a lesson from the dear friend who had taken time for me. I’ll leave room at the top of my list—room for names instead of tasks. My new first line on my checklist: “Be more like Jesus. Make people the most important thing today.”
Dear Lord, I need Your help to plan my day with Your priorities. You know how task-driven we can all become. Will You teach us to put people first? Sensitize our spirit to listen to Yours and to pause for people like You would. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment