2021 – Week 11- Be Available

I received a lesson last week.

We really don’t know what someone is going through.  Ever.  Even when we think we do.

I was at an appointment the other day.  The usual assistant is a long-time friend and wife of the owner, but she had been called away unexpectedly that morning, so a colleague conducted most of the appointment.  At the end, her work was reviewed and cheeked by the owner – another long-time friend.   He’s a friendly guy, but doesn’t overly ‘share’ – if you know what I mean.

He checked her work and discussed the findings. This is usually where we part company for another number of months.

And then it happened.

He begin talking.  And talking.  And talking.  Their family was going through a frustrating situation and it just came pouring out of him.  And I listened.  And listened.  And listened.  I didn’t have any brilliant advice to give.  They were in a situation I’ve never been in before, so I couldn’t relate at all.  But what could I offer to this friend in obvious need?

A listening ear.  Sometimes that’s all it takes.  Sometimes, that’s the best gift of all. 

And the lesson?

Be the observer.  Be available.  Be open.  If my body language or expression had been hurried and closed off, I don’t think he would have felt free to unload and unburden his heart.  He felt better having spent a few moments sharing his burden with me.  

As we know, a burden shared is half a burden.

Be sensitive to the people around you. YOU are the blessing they need today!