The gift of presence

I recently meet someone who had stage three ovarian cancer. After six treatments the doctors have declared her cancer free. This woman is jubilant, thankful and praising God to all who will listen. She is excited about what the Lord has done (and rightly so). The staff at the hospital where she was treated would like her to come back and “help”.

After speaking to the hospital staff she spoke to her Pastor, telling him she did not know what she should do, where could she help? His answer was use the “gift of presence.”

I thought how true. Who else can understand what someone with cancer is going through but a person who has been through it. Basically the “gift of presence” is being there for someone no matter what they are going through.

There are so many people suffering, whether it is cancer, sickness, divorce, loss of a loved one, homelessness the list goes on and on. What can we do?

Just a few suggestions:

· Give a hug, sometimes all it takes is a touch to let someone know you care.

· A pat on the arm, again touch is a great equalizer.

· Send a card of encouragement.

· A listening ear

· Make a phone call.

· Send an email.

· Make a meal.

· See a homeless person, stop and give them a bottle of water, a gift card, or a homemade treat.

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Matthew 25:40
Step out of your comfort zone. Do something for someone else. The first step is never easy, it just needs to be made and the other steps will follow.

Ask the Lord to put someone in your path that you can help.

Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present. ~ Bil Keane

Open up the present and start to use it to God’s glory.

Can you use the “gift of presence” in your world? Ask God to show you how.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
II Corinthians 1:3-4

Dear Heavenly Father,

Open my eyes to the people around me. Help me not to be selfish but to be sharing and caring. Help me to use my gifts for you whether material, physical, mental or financial. Teach me to be a follower of you in all things.

In your precious Son’s name, Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Donna