Being Present

Being present with others when life is hard is difficult and life giving. It is natural for us to want to do what is easiest, however taking time to simply be with others can express love in a profound way.

We had just been told that Jackson needed bypass surgery. He was a mere two weeks old. Nurses kept asking us if wanted him baptized. I wasn’t concerned about him being baptized but I did want him prayed over. We called my friend and pastor, Boots. We asked if she could come and pray over him before the surgery. She explained that she had a commitment that couldn’t be moved.

I don’t know what changed, but the next morning just before surgery she was walking down the hall towards us. My heart leapt. She joined Curt and I in the tiny isolation room as we prayed over Jackson. She then went an prayed with our family and friends assembling in the waiting room as we walked Jackson to surgery. Her showing up and choosing to be present with us when it wasn’t easy is something I’ll never forget.

2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2 NIV).

25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Corinthians 12:25-27 NIV).

Showing up for others, being present, carrying their burden, is the full expression of the body of Christ. Love is most powerful in the midst of pain. It shows up in the presence of others. This reminds me of what is important when I want to take the easy road, when I don’t want to be inconvenienced.

How are at being present? How have others been present for you? What do you need to do differently to show up and carry the burdens of others? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.