There’s something special, something divine, about simply being there for someone. We live in a world that often measures success by how much we can accomplish, how fast we can move, and how high we can climb. But God measures our lives differently. He looks at the heart, and He values the time we take to show up for others.
Yesterday, I started my pastoral visit to the Armenian community in St. Louis, MO, and Belleville, IL. With Fr. Voskan, we visited some of our precious parishioners in assisted care centers. As I sat with them, something struck me—it wasn’t about the words I said or the prayers we offered, although those were important. It was about the simple act of being there, being present.
My seminary professor of Pastoral theology used to say, “The most powerful thing you can do, guys, is show up. You may not have all the answers. You may not be able to solve all their problems. But just being there, showing that you care, can be the biggest blessing in someone’s life.” Isn’t that true? Our presence, our willingness to just *be* there, makes all the difference. God can use us to bring light to someone’s dark day, to bring comfort to someone’s pain, and to bring His love into someone’s life.
So, I want to encourage you today: be present. Take the time to visit that friend who’s been on your mind. Call that family member who might be feeling lonely. Spend time with someone who could use a little extra love and attention. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just show up.
And as you do, remember that God sees your heart. He knows the love you’re pouring out, and He’s going to bless you for it. The Bible says in Proverbs 11:25, " The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." When you refresh others with your presence, when you take the time to be there for them, God is going to refresh you in ways you never imagined.
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