—Psalms 22:19
It happens more than we might think as with text messaging, cell phones, iPods... we can be totally connected with those not present, yet miss the very person right in front of us!
In times of crisis and stress our hearts long to have companionship. We long for the meaningful presence of those who truly care for our well being, those in whom we can trust and in whose presence we find peace.
The Bible tells us of the trials that Jesus faced as He struggled with the choice of the cross of salvation or the crown of the crowd’s praise. He asked His friends to go with Him in the garden and pray. How troubling to find them sleeping in the midst of His trial. Then again in Herods’s court or Pilate’s palace he was surrounded by people, some of the disciples were there, but yet He was still alone. Isolated by acts of denial and self interest. Be not far off, is the cry of all who face times of worry, anxiety or crisis. Be not far off, come quickly to help is the prayer echoed in the 22nd Psalm, one that foreshadowed the Cross.
It is suggested that during the average hospital stay anywhere between 30 and 45 different care givers enter a patient’s room. Talk about a crowd! How important to connect and establish the trust, the caring connection that breaks down the wall of isolation, the feeling of being alone in a crowd. All it takes is to acknowledge the patient, greet him or her with a cheery good morning or good afternoon. Introduce yourself and build a connection that helps you be a person to them and affirm their personhood as well.
Being alone…it happens more than we might think.
Right now you are getting ready to talk with someone, explain a procedure or transport someone to a test. Take a moment and connect, be present, help them know they are not alone! Be not far off!
May God bless you as you bless others, and may He be not far off, but present with you through this week!
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