True Sympathy

Sipping coffee in the food court, Lisa turned to her friend and said, “Debra, I don’t see how you do it.”

“Do what?” Debra asked.

“You know. Looking after Shane. You seem to have so much patience with his handicap, but I know you must be exhausted.”

“Yes.” Debra put her cup down. “Sometimes I am drained.” She seemed to search for the right words. “But, frankly, I need more patience with other people than with Shane.”

Lisa was confused. “People like me?”

Debra quickly explained, “Not you, Lisa. You’ve always understood—but you’re one of the few. Most people stare at Shane, ignore him, or even go out of the way to avoid us. Some days it’s more than I can take.”

Lisa shook her head and silently asked God for wisdom to console her friend. “How can I help, Debra?”

“Pray, I guess. Sometimes I hardly know how.”

“Would it be all right for me to pray for you now?” Lisa asked.

Holding Debra’s hand, Lisa whispered a petition that might serve as a guide for any caregiver or caregiver’s friend:

Lord, You understand every hurt and need. I ask You to
give me the eyes and mind of Christ as I seek to serve
others in Your name.