Common Bonds

Having spent the past week sitting in the ICU waiting room, you quickly see you are not the only hurting person. Some families have come and gone due to their loved one improving, passing on, or being transferred. It has been good the past couple of days to begin to see opportunities the Lord is giving to us to minister even in the midst of our own pain. Our focus is to be on Christ, not our own anguish or set of circumstances. He promises to be with us and to comfort us, we need to share that with others who hurt.
Last night was one of those times. As we walked out of the ICU unit there were four teens sitting in the hall obviously shaken. I have to be completely honest with you, I really wanted to look the other way. Feeling that my own pain was too great to be able to comfort someone else. Yet as we looked though the window of the waiting room at them and then at one another, there was no question what the Lord wanted us to do. As I walked around the corner and opened my arms the young girl of about 14 fell into my arms and sobbed. Their father had had a stroke. As I rocked her in my arms and stroked her hair I assured her of the comfort we all can have in Christ. At the same time Doug comforted her brothers in a fatherly manner. It was then that we were able to have prayer with them and their spirits were quieted.
Afterward as we sat quietly and comforted one another we were amazed at the grace God provides when we need it. This morning when we arrived a gentleman was waiting and Doug had the opportunity to have prayer with him. Then later the mother of the teens came out of her husbands ICU room and we were able to talk with her and have prayer.
I guess all of this rambling to say that no matter what circumstance one finds themselves in along the road of life, we can and should always be willing to reach out to others in need. It creates a common bond so that can bridge a friendship and focus on Christ.