September 18, 2024 Devo

Have you ever received an invitation to a celebration of some kind, anniversary, birthday, or whatever, and they include a note letting you know that no gifts are expected? Some will use the play-on-words “your presence is your present.” In other words, they don’t want your gifts. They want YOU. It’s actually quite a compliment when you think about it.
That desire for “presence” rather than “presents” is never truer than in times of grief. When someone loses someone special, we’ll often feel the need to send flowers, a card, or maybe a plant of some kind. While that’s a nice thought, my experience has been that what people want and need more than anything else is YOU. Being there with them brings much more comfort than any other expression we can send.
I thought of that as I read our passage today. When Martha told Mary that Jesus was there and wanted to see her, she went to where He was. His presence was an immediate blessing. But don’t miss the fact that she was already surrounded by caring friends and family. People who came to simply sit with her, care for her, and weep with her. They weren’t Jesus, but they certainly were the angels of God’s comfort.
God created us to live in community. And though some of us will tend to isolate and pull away in times of grieving, it’s neither healthy nor productive. Grief, like joy, is best when it is SHARED. Paul said, “Weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice.” Wise words for us to remember.
Having just officiated three funerals in two weeks, I can tell you, for sure, that those who surrounded the suffering families were deeply appreciated. You don’t have to have anything profound to say. In fact, you needn’t say anything at all. Your nods, your tears, your hands on their shoulder, and your hugs will communicate what the grieving heart needs to hear: Even in this great loss, they are not alone. I know it’s sometimes awkward. I know you may be afraid you’ll cry yourself. I know you’ll struggle because you really want to DO something to help with their pain. But get past all of that, and just try to be there if you can. It will be a divine and precious gift. Your presence will be your present. That’s God’s Word for you today.