I have been immersed in the world of kids for the past few days, once again. Pre-teens, these young guys and gals have energy, intelligence, and insight that never ceases to encourage me. I have enjoyed getting to know these middle school aged kids as we have studied and learned together. Retirement has been a good thing, but it is fun to have these short times of getting back into the classroom again. Things change, but then again, it seems like nothing really changes in the human realm of things. We need each other, no matter what age or stage of life we find ourselves.
As we celebrated Martin Luther King Day this past week, our attention turned back to the events of Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks, bus boycotts, and how friendship can not only lift another up, but it can shine a light into a darkened soul when everything around seems hopeless. The sixth graders and I discussed and talked about Harriet Tubman and her growing up years and eventually leading hundreds of slaves along the “Underground Railroad”. This route north led these men, women and families to a place of peace and freedom. Learning about the events of these dark times in our country’s history has sparked discussion of our own behavior. What kind of friend are we to those God has set in our path of daily existence?
All of us have fragile days when we just need someone to come along side of us. Just their presence can calm us and reassure our inner self that we will make it through the coming hour or day. Support and concern from someone who knows us and loves us anyway can make the difference we need. Encouragement. It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s everything to someone who is hurting, sick, sad, depressed, or looking at life through tears. We all come to those places along life’s journey. Thank goodness we take turns being in those places of need, so we have the opportunity to give back to another when we have recovered from the swirling clouds and panic of the dark days.
It seemed fitting yesterday to read these words about friendship from the author and poet William Carlos Williams:
“ When trouble comes your soul to try, you love the friend who just ‘stands by’.
Perhaps there’s nothing he can do – the thing is strictly up to you.
For there are troubles all your own, and paths the soul must tread alone.
Times love cannot smooth the road, nor friendship lift the heavy load.
But just to know you have a friend who will stand by until the end,
Whose sympathy through all endures, whose warm handclasp is always yours.
It helps someway to pull you through, although there’s nothing he can do.
And so with fervent heart you cry, God bless the friend who just ‘stands by’.”
Encouragement has never filled a flat tire. Encouragement has never made a car payment or fixed a broken washing machine. But this wonderful gift called encouragement can give us the strength to do what we feel we cannot do. Hold on when we feel we cannot hold on. And try what we may not dare to try!
Send some encouragement today. Use your words. Or your arms and hands. Be gentle, but I can promise that you will make a difference and be part of someone’s memories for a long time.
lbeerman68@gmail.com
