How Many Times Have I Missed Blessing Another?

My friend had been on my mind for quite some time. It had been weeks since she’d been moved to her new room in the memory-care wing and I had yet to see it.

But that morning? That morning I had so many errands to run and lots of editing when I got home!

My visit will just have to wait, I reasoned.

Yet as I drove away from the home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to turn around. The Lord seemed to be impressing upon me the next right step, not the one I had planned for my morning.

This time I listened to that still small voice. Turning the car around in the nearest parking lot, I headed back to see my elderly friend.

My visit was short but meaningful, bringing blessings far beyond what “getting things done” would have yielded.

In fact, I don’t remember what my errands were that morning or if I even got them done. But I still remember my friend’s smile, the encouragement I was able to give her, and the joy I felt as I left her.

Missed Blessing

Not too many years ago, I “visited” too late. My neighbor died before I made that promised and planned for “someday” stop. 

I vowed to do better. Yet here I am. Still stumbling under the weight of to-do instead of to-be-present. Still setting aside relationship for accomplishment. 

Perhaps today I heed the Lord’s nudge a bit more often, but, oh, how often I still ignore those gentle prompts.

I hate to guess how many times I miss blessing another because I believe I’m too busy or have nothing of value to say.

How many times have I missed the blessing of showing up in someone's life because I deemed myself too busy? Click To Tweet

It’s easy to make excuses.

I must get this done. That can’t wait. She’ll understand. I don’t know what to say. I’ll visit next week. 

Next week is as good as never. I know because I’ve used “next week” often in my excuses. 

Today is the day. Now is the time.

Visit the shut-in. Send a card to the hurting. Call that absent friend.

You don’t have to be or do all for them. Just be present. Just be the present. Just show up. 

You don't have to be or do all for someone. Just be present. Just be the present. Just show up. Click To Tweet

That’s all my elderly friend wanted. And honestly, it took less than 30 minutes for me to be present. 

I won’t meet everyone’s needs, and I’m not supposed to.

But I can show up in the lives of others on a more regular basis.

I can share God’s love through my actions of love. 

I can let the people in my life know I care.

And to know someone cares is one of the greatest blessings any of us can receive. 

Just show up, because to know someone cares is one of the greatest blessings any of us can receive. Click To Tweet

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 

Reflections: How can you be more present for others? Who do you need to drop that overdue note to? Who do you need to visit today?

I am always thrilled to link up with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday and this week’s prompt, “just show up.” I love these special linkups. They provide an abundance of great inspiration and encouragement all in one place. Click on the image below or link above to check them out.

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