The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
I, even I, am He who comforts you.—ISAIAH 51:12 (NIV)
I walked out of my mother-in-law’s house, climbed into my car and slammed the door shut. I was angry.
I’d stopped to help with some chores she needed done, only to be told that I didn’t fold her towels right, I used the wrong cleaner for her mirrors and I threw away perfectly good produce.
I sat in the quiet of the car and wondered why I even tried. I was already late for my daughter’s softball game. And I had to go home and finish my own work. I had completed the necessary chores, but all my mother-in-law could do was point out what I did wrong.
Then I remembered she had said she hadn’t slept well last night. That explained her stiff movements, irritated mood and complaining spirit.
I swallowed my hurt feelings, hopped out of the car and ran back inside. I found her sitting in her recliner. I picked up a quilt, laid it on her lap and knelt by her chair.
“Take a rest and don’t fret about dinner. I’m bringing you Mushroom Chicken. Your favorite.”
My mother-in-law smiled at me. “Thank you, honey.”
Dear God, help me to see the person beneath the pain and frustrations and not take things so personally.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)