I still struggle with this one today...despite the fact that it is in my list of lessons learned.
It is so easy to run to the aid of a friend in the moment of crisis. I can testify that we would not have made it had it not been for everyone who rallied around us at that very moment. We still have a few people rallying around us and we are still amazed by their love!
But, the momentum of crisis soon wears off and then things tend to go back to a state we consider normal. We check in from time to time on those who are in the post-crisis mode, asking if there is anything we can do for them. And on most occasions, they tell us no, there is nothing you can do. But I am here to say this is just not true! There is something you can do. Drop by their house. Go visit...you don't need an invitation...just go. Right now, Robbie and I have friends who are in the throngs of difficulty. The initial momentum of crisis is over, yet the aftermath of crisis is very difficult and trying. The fires of tribulation are still there. And yes, we ask the standard question, "what can we do to help", and honestly, there is very little that can be done at that moment...there is very little we can do to take their burden away. But Robbie is the one who revealed to me just tonight...she said this, "you know what I wanted the most while we were in our fire?" I said, "no, what was that?" She said, "I wanted someone to stop by, say hello, hug us, love us, even if I could not tell to come and do this." She continued, "I know there was nothing more they could do but pray and say I love you, but a personal visit...that means a lot!" Let me tell you, people have done this for us and now we must do the same for our friends. So we are going to change our strategy! Why, because we love these friends so much...we have a convenant friendship with them and we must be there at the moment of crisis, during the crisis and well after the crisis; especially afterwards because that is when most people begin to walk away and get back to their lives.
So what is the bottom line here? Am I whining? Am I complaining? Heavens NO! I am sharing with you a lesson that I learned....and for that matter still refining and learning as of today.
Just because time has marched on does not mean post-crisis people don't continue to have needs that must be met by all of us!
We must walk from the beginning to the end with those we cherish the most!!
