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11-02-09 (Conversation)
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Stephanie McIver
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Nov 02, 2009 10:08 PST
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Steph’s Stuff
11-02-09
(Conversation)
“He comes for conversation,
I comfort him sometimes.
Comfort and consultation.
He knows that’s what he’ll find.” (‘Conversation’ by Joni Mitchell)
After several days, I checked the messages on my land line phone. I
don’t use it much these days, because I’m simply not home much these
days. There was a message from a number I didn’t recognize. An elderly
woman’s voice, a bit quavery. “I’ve been trying to reach Stephanie for
some time now—I’m not sure if this is the right number—but my name is
“A” and I would like you to call me back.” No reason for the call was
given and I was baffled. She did identify herself as a neighbor in my
little community. I thought she might have been given a reference from
the days I was doing housecleaning—and I would have to let her know that
I don’t do that anymore. I dialed the number and was giving a message
to an answering machine when she picked up. Slightly out of breath, she
said “Would you please repeat what you just said? I don’t move too fast
and I couldn’t get to the phone before the machine picked up.” I
repeated the message. “I was returning your call. My name is Stephanie
and you left me a message, but I don’t know what you needed.”
“I don’t remember that.” she said sadly. “I’m 92 and I forget things.
WHO are you?” I told her again. “My name is Stephanie. Apparently we
are neighbors and you left me a message a few days ago. I think you
might have heard that I clean houses, but I’m not doing that anymore.”
“Oh! I think I do remember calling you—but I don’t need a housecleaner.
I’m just looking for someone who would visit with me sometimes. I
would like to have a conversation with someone once in a while. I’m not
a pest—I don’t need a best friend or anything, but I’m housebound and
I’d just like to make contact with people once in a while.”
I remembered my prayer early this morning. “Lord, thank you for this
day—and please give me opportunities to glorify You in it.” That desire
is always in my heart—but for some reason this morning, I gave it
voice—and I could see Him smiling. “A” needs a friend. I’ll send
Stephanie!
We chatted a bit more. I told her I was a writer. “OH! So am I! I
once wrote a piece that they wanted to publish—but they wanted me to
make it longer and I didn’t.” We rejoiced over this similar trait—and I
promised I would call her tomorrow and try to spend a bit of time with
her. I also smiled—God knew the need and He wants to use ME to fill it!
Not only me, I can think of others in our community who will be happy
to visit ‘A’ once they know her need, but His divine protection is
evident. She reached out in faith for someone to befriend her, and
somehow, I still don’t know where she got my number, but she got me on a
day when I specifically asked Him to send me an opportunity. He sent
her someone who would love her with Christ’s love. Someone who would be
respectful and cheerful and truly listen to her—because I have always
had a heart for senior citizens and find their stories fascinating. She
will give me far more than I will give her—at least that has been my
experience in the past.
We all are looking for comfort and conversation, aren’t we? As my
relationship with my new man grows, we are so grateful to have found
each other. He confessed to me just the other day that he had been so
very lonely. So had I and I didn’t even realize how much until he
filled that space I had prayed about for such a long time. I am happy I
can provide him with comfort and consultation, laughter and even a few
tears. And in my gratitude, I want to give those things back—to as many
people as God will put into my life.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our
troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort
we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of
Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort
overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NIV)
I see a pattern here—a pattern of His very personality. He loved us
first. He comforted us first. And He gives us the NEED to love and
comfort others, as we ourselves have received that healing balm. In our
small group last night, we talked about service—and how it was to be for
the sake of serving, not what we would get in return. If you expect
payment for your service to God, you are no better than a pagan. When
you give service humbly and unselfishly, you draw people to Him. They
want to know what is UP with that? How come? You don’t act like the
world expects—what is the secret?
It just might start with a comfortable conversation.
Fondly,
Stephanie
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