HopeForYourFamily

I want to share with you a scripture that has encouraged me so much recently.  It is such a powerful message of hope and confidence for the Christian.  Notice especially the phrases in bold:

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.  Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.  For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.“  - 2 Peter 1:3-11 (NIV)

What incredible encouragement!  For those who may not be a Christian, don’t those words sound like something you would like to experience?  If so, find a Christian who is willing to study the Bible with you, so you can learn how to receive these amazing promises for yourself by becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.

What is the most important thing you can do for your struggling teen?  Be there.  What is the best thing you can do for your frustrated spouse?  Be there.  How can you help that friend of yours who is hurting and confused?  Be there. 

We each need so much for someone to be there for us.  To be available in physical presence.  To support us emotionally.  To challenge us when we need a wake-up call.  To listen when we need to talk.

This doesn’t mean you have to be some kind of expert, have all the right answers, or even have a lot to say.  Often times, the most important thing we need from someone is for them to just be there.  Really being there may mean making good eye contact while listening.  It may mean resisting the urge to interrupt or to speak up just to fill an uncomfortable silence.  It may mean turning off a cell phone or a TV or whatever to let the other one know how much they really matter.  It may mean cancelling an appointment.  It may mean giving a hug.  It may mean writing a heartfelt email or even a letter with a stamp on it.  It may mean putting the other person’s thoughts into your own words to let them know you really hear them as they share their heart with you.  It may mean playing a video game you have absolutely no interest in.  It may mean calling a babysitter and going out for that date.  It may mean being available sexually to your spouse.  It may mean asking, “How can I be there for you?”  Whatever the details, being there means considering the other person and making yourself and your energy avaiable to them in ways that are good for them.

Remember the last time someone was there for you?  It made a difference, didn’t it?  Be there!

For further reading on this topic, check out “Be There: Making Deep, Lasting Connections in a Disconnected World” by Dr. John Trent.

Humans are wired for connection.  We all need relationships - family, romantic, friendships, community, etc.  In our constantly changing world of wireless connectivity, we seem to be more connected to more people than ever before.  Between cell phones, text messaging, instant messaging, email, blogging, MySpace, Blackberries, and so on, we have constant access to more people than the world has ever dreamed was possible.  So, why do so many people feel so empty, disconnected, and alone?  Now, I’m not saying technology is our enemy or the reason for this empty disconnect.  However, I do believe the more we allow technology to lead in our relationships, the more disconnected we will feel inside.  What we really crave most in our relationships is for someone to be there.  I need to know that I matter enough to someone else that they will stop whatever else they are doing to be there for me in my time of need.  Sending me an electronic drive-by greeting or multitasking me into your schedule just doesn’t fulfill.

So, here is my challenge…If someone in your life is worth being there for, then really be there for them.  Grab that cup of coffee.  Have them over for dinner.  Turn off the TV/computer/cell phone, and sit and talk and listen.  Take your spouse out on a date.  Take your kids out on a date.  Get to know your next door neighbors.  Get to know your neigbors at church.  This will take effort, and will demand that you say “no” to other things.  It is worth it.  You will have to say “no” to many people and opportunities so you can say “yes” to a few people and opportunities that really matter.  You’ll be glad you did.  You won’t have as much entertainment in your life.  You won’t miss it.  You will have greater fulfillment in your life, be more appreciated by others, and find your relationships much more meaningful.  You’ll see.  Be There!!!