Abundant Opportunity – See. Perceive. Act.
Our children, former procrastinators, used to say to me, “Mom, you don’t have to talk to everybody!” (Slight exaggeration.) But how interesting that now they chat with store clerks and servers.
We’ve been talking about reaching out to those who may be alone at church – and what to do if we’re that person. Actually, the same things apply in most social situations. Last week’s aids have helped me on a wide variety of occasions. We’re the Lord’s wherever we are with opportunity to grow and minister.
Can you imagine ringing up groceries all day long – and no one speaking to you, recognizing that you’re a person helping them? You might as well be the self-checkout machine. Ugh. People are grateful to be seen as people. Engaging them in conversation says to them that they matter – especially if we call them by name.
These stories speak to me about the power of friendliness toward lonely people.
Sometimes loneliness is a result of choice. A lady told my friend Julie she enjoyed her. Julie suggested they meet for coffee and get to know each other. “No, no. I don’t make friends. It’s too hard because, being military, we have to leave each other.” Oh, my. I fully understand the hard part because I’ve had to leave friends. However, my life is much richer because of those people. It’s truly hard to think of what I would’ve missed without them.
An unfamiliar setting or expectation can create stress that emphasizes loneliness. A kind gesture brings comfort. Emma was seated at a formal dinner next to a gentleman from another country. She sensed his dismay as he looked at the array of silverware before him. She leaned over and respectfully asked, “As we eat, would you like me to let you know what utensil we use for each dish?” He turned to her with relief and gratitude on his face. “Yes! Thank you!” She showed regard for him as a person when she made that offer. She put him at ease and helped maintain his dignity.
We can seek company while encouraging others at the same time. After my mom died, my dad frequently ate at his favorite restaurant, because “even if I’m alone, other people are around.” (Hear that?) When he died, a waitress from there and her boyfriend came to visitation. She explained that Daddy was her favorite customer and how much she enjoyed their conversations. She said, “Every day I hoped he’d come.” Her boyfriend said, “On those days, she’d come out to the car grinning and say, ‘He came today!’” They each made a difference for the other. Thank you, young lady.
This week, where will you be alert to see, perceive, and act to relieve another’s loneliness without hesitation or delay?
