Be Available For Those You Love
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. - Philippians 2:4
To be honest, yesterday was a bit of a rough day for me. There were some tough conversations that needed to be had, and I hate confrontation and tension, especially with people who are super close to me and whom I love.
About halfway through the day, it all got to be a little too much for me. I was sad, angry, overwhelmed - basically I was a wreck. And so I texted my best friend Melanie and said, “Hey I know this is probably horrible timing, but is there any way I could call you?”
It didn’t take her long to respond, and when she did, her words were, “Absolutely! TJ (her son) is eating lunch but I can listen so just call me whenever!”
I knew this time of day was the busiest for Mel. She has an 18 month old son. She works from home. She’s in the middle of packing up her house to move across state lines in a couple of weeks. And she’s pregnant with her second kid. The girl has a lot going on. And yet, in the middle of it all, she paused, and she made herself available when I needed her.
I get that this time of year is the busiest of all. I understand that we all have a lot going on and plenty of tasks to fill our time with. But may we not forget in the middle of it all to still be available to those we love. This time next year, I’m not going to remember every single gift I bought. I’m not going to remember every task that was on my to-do list. And I’m not going to remember all of the things that were begging for my attention. What I will remember are the conversations I had and the time I spent with the people closest to me. I will remember how the Lord used these people to love on me and encourage me, and I’ll hopefully remember how He used me to do the same for others.
So whatever is demanding your attention right now, I hope you’ll remember Melanie’s example if someone you love turns to you in a time of need. Whether they just need a five minute phone call or an two hour coffee date, I pray you’ll make yourself available for those who really matter to you, and that God will use you to love on, encourage, comfort, and minister to those whom you love.