Wayland
Read the story first: Wayland.
Nugget of Wisdom
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is simply your presence. To be seen, to be heard, and to be valued may be the very thing a person has been missing for years.
As usual, start this session off with prayer within the group. Ask for God's guidance during the process. Today we’re going to look at something simple, but powerful—the act of showing up for another human being. Not fixing, not correcting, not solving, just being there.
I am now 68 years old. When I sat there at age 13 talking to that gentleman on the porch, I had empathy for him. I just wanted to be there and listen to him or get him to talk. Now, at age 68, I can truly see myself sitting on that porch. I’m divorced, alone, moving and starting my life over. I ponder, will there be someone later in life for me? And along the way, will we isolate each other right now, or will we freely encourage and try to get each other to share our feelings? These are choices you’ll be making from this day forward for the rest of your life.
Again, face each other, hopefully with your eyes closed and holding hands. By now, I hope you're starting to understand how much more this process opens your heart up to communication. I hope you can find in serious times in life you can still do this with each other. Tell the story. The other person, just listen. Look for the emotions. Reverse the process.
- Have you ever experienced a moment where someone simply sat with you and listened? How did that affect you?
- What do you think it feels like to be unseen or unheard over a long period of time?
- In your current relationships, do you feel encouraged to share your feelings openly? Why or why not?
- How might isolation slowly develop between two people, even when they live together?
- What is one intentional way you can encourage someone in your life to share their feelings this week?
Mission
This week, find someone who may be overlooked. It could be an elderly neighbor, someone sitting alone, your own spouse during a quiet moment, or even a child or grandchild. Take them aside, sit down with them, and let them know you just want to listen to their feelings at that moment. No phone, no distractions. Be quiet. Let them come up with their feelings. Help them learn to look internally at what they are feeling in that moment. Give them your full attention, not to solve, not to respond, but simply to understand.
As usual, close in prayer within the group, within yourselves. A recommended line in your own words would be something like this: Father, help me to slow down. Help me to see those who feel unseen. Give me the patience to listen, and the heart to care for others the way You care for me.