Presence

The familiar words of the song played through her head. "Sometimes in our lives; we all have pain, we all have sorrow; but if we are wise, we know that there's always tomorrow. Lean on me when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on; for it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on" (Lean on Me by Bill Withers).

Life--had been a roller coaster ride of late. Friends were facing serious illness, injuries, and problems of all nature. In the span of one day she had heard of a friend who had lost her unborn child, another's son was being discharged from the service, a parent's failing health, common colds, the beginning of new ministry for another, passing state licensing for another, a successful hunt in the deer woods from one while another one missed the perfect shot. Good news, bad news, just news, kept the day a constant flux of emotions from the highs and lows.

By the end of a week, she felt overwhelmed--wondering what she had left to give. She prayed, she listened, gave words of comfort and encouragement. She laughed, cried, and sat quietly thinking. Mostly, she prayed.

Wondering how she could help those she loved, she stopped everything and just thought for a while. Pouring her heart out to God, the words came to her mind. We all have pain; we all have sorrow. It isn't answers that we want/need from each other. It is presence; "lean on me."

Moses was overwhelmed with the constant needs of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. In exhaustion and frustration he questioned God. God replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Exodus 33:14). Later in Matthew we hear Jesus explaining (yet again) to his disciples "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." In one of the most well known and loved psalms, we are assured that God is with us: "You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest . . . you lead me to streams . . . and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me" (Psalm 23).

As she pondered all of this in her heart, she realized that she didn't have to have the answers. It was her presence, her love that was truly needed. Solutions were not hers to give. A listening ear, a hug, and a loving heart were more important.

God of compassion and love, we so often forget that you are the source--not ourselves. You are constantly guided us, providing for us, and waiting for us to stop what we are doing in our frantic searches to reveal yourself to us. Help us to slow down, to stop our wild search for "the" answer and instead to listen, wait, and know that you are always with us. We trust you and leave our worry in your care as we walk our life's path knowing you are with us. So be it. Amen.