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Sometimes “being there” is the best gift we can offer to each other. A fancy way of saying this is that as Christians, we are called to share in a ministry of presence. When someone is lonely or feeling isolated, there is nothing more welcome than the gift of companionship. This is especially true for people who live in nursing homes or who find it difficult to leave their homes.
As many of you know, I try to make it a point to go out visiting every Tuesday afternoon. Sometimes I am able to make several visits in one afternoon; sometimes I manage to see only one person. But I do make an effort to set aside this time consistently and faithfully. Full disclosure: there are some weeks that I just can’t make it at all, but I do try to be faithful. This matters to me.
That said, I know that there are some folks I haven’t managed to see very often. One of them is Martha Jane Clymer. (Martha, I know you’re reading this. I hope I don’t embarrass you too badly!) I visited Martha early on in my ministry among you, but did not return until her home called in July to say that she would love a visit from me. I went to see her immediately, of course. But two times in four years? That’s a shame. And it has been my loss. Martha is fun, delightful, joyful. Visiting with her can’t help but make you smile. She makes me smile.
So I’ll let you in on a secret…these smiles aren’t just for me alone. We can all share in this ministry of presence. I’ll be happy to provide you with a list of our homebound members. You don’t have to go once a week like I do, but maybe once a month? Even a couple of times a year is better than no times. Visiting is fun. You don’t have to stay long. You don’t even have to have much to say. Simply being there is a gift in itself.
If you would like to know more about how to make a visit, or if you would like some suggestions about whom to visit, please call me. I want you to know the joy of this ministry. And one final thought. If you are feeling lonely or a little down, reaching out to someone else is the very best remedy. Give the gift of your time. Share the ministry of presence.
