“If I had known what trouble
you were bearing;
What griefs were in the silence
of your face;
I would have been more gentle
and more caring,
And tried to give you gladness
for a space.”
(Mary Carolyn Davies)

   Have you ever felt the emptiness of knowing that you passed up an opportunity to help one of life’s fellow sojourner’s when they needed it most? Undoubtedly, all of us have experienced the shame of that hollow feeling that arises when we realize what we could have done and didn’t.

   We might excuse ourselves on the basis of innocent unawareness or mere oversight, but a sensitive heart will be touched by the realization that a hurting soul could have benefitted from our care. We would do well to remember:

Caring is a privilege. Caring for others would not be possible if we had not been endowed with some very special gifts. The kind of care that human beings are capable of requires a set of remarkable qualities. God has given us the ability to feel the pain and grief of others; we can empathize and sympathize but in today’s world there seems to be a hesitancy to do so. Maybe we have let the spirit of isolationism rob of us this precious privilege. Perhaps we just don’t want to burden ourselves with another person’s pain thinking “our plate” is already full. I wonder if we have forgotten that:

Caring is a pleasure. Caring is just another way we have of giving and Jesus said that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Sadly, modern, materialistic man has reversed this Divine truth thinking that the only real pleasure in life comes from receiving and that any form of giving is as painful as pulling the proverbial eye tooth. Those who have chosen not to care are missing out on one of the real joys of life. The pleasure of giving is best illustrated by our Heavenly Father.

   God’s love motivated Him to send Jesus into this world (John 3:16). This is the ultimate expression of care. God wants man to respond to His care with reverence (fear) and appreciation. When we do, “...the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His steadfast love.” (Psalm 147:11)

   Just like God’s love for us can be the source of hope, our caring love for others can help them overcome a hopeless feeling brought on by adversity and grief. One of the most productive uses of your time is so simple. Let a hurting soul know you care. It will do them good and you too.  KD