[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]”W[/dropcap2]ell, at least there’s ESPN!” Fred said.
Fred’s loved sports and the outdoors. He owned a landscaping business and adored being outside. He went to every outdoor sporting event he could find.
But Fred’s disease sidelined him. He went to dialysis three times a week and spent most of the time in-between recovering. He sat in his recliner, watching whatever ESPN had to offer.
Fred never shared much about what was going on in his mind and heart. We just talked sports, sports, and more sports.
Fred declined suddenly one weekend and was gone. His wife asked me to officiate at his memorial service.
“He thought the world of you,” she said through her tears.
On the drive home, I thought about her statement. What did I do? I visited and talked sports. I listened to and prayed for him. These are such small things, I thought.
Then I considered – How do I feel when someone shows up for me, is genuinely interested, and prays?
It’s a big, stinking deal. I feel cared for and my heart is strengthened. My burdens lighten, my hope deepens, and my soul smiles.
Show up. Be genuinely interested. Pray.
Who knew such small things could be so huge?
