Someone to care.

 As soon as I laid eyes on her, my heart sank in my chest.  This year had been a rough one on her, and I soon became accustomed to the phone calls that would come frequently and without warning.  The sound on the other end could be compared to the weep of a small child trying to make sense of an adult world for which she was not equipped to understand. I instantly fell in love with her and found my maternal instincts coming out as I tried to lead her through some important life choices that she had to make with as much care as possible. I soon realized that close relationships were something that she didn't have a lot of in her life, if any. Because of the nature of my job, responding to every last phone call and impromptu visit was not feasible for me to do, and before long, the calls lessened as I grew to discern what it means  to set boundaries so that I could love on the ninety-nine as well as the one.


The truth is that amidst all of the strife that I encounter daily, lonliness is perhaps one of hardest things that cuts deeper than a suffering pocket book. I have been blessed enough to always have friends and family to stand by my side through the up's and down's of life, but not everyone has that. In fact, there are times where the real work that God has called me to goes above any program guidelines or written case plan, but rather  in the form of a genuine regard of care and compassion. And when you get the chance to confirm to a wondering heart that yes, they are still your "number one girl," the smile that wraps around their face turns out to be the highlight of the day. Realizing that you have been given the gift to allow many, not just one person, have that kind of assurance is such a beautiful thing.

My relationship with my special friend will never be perfect, but I thank God for allowing me to serve as a reminder to her that she is not alone, not forgotten, not without a place of refuge. For where love is, there she will have peace. There she will have certainty. There she will encounter God and really understand that she is beautifully and wonderfully made by Him.

 But what about the others? How will they know? We have almost 70,000 people in this town alone, and some find it easier to build walls than tear them down.

John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

So go. And love well.