Being a Friend

You've heard God is your friend.  Be a friend like Jesus.  Jesus, friend of Sinners...

Sometimes we use this type of language so quickly,  it seeps through our lips not really contemplating its origin or impact.  I am not convinced we understand most things we say; we might know the vocabulary and give insight intellectually but connecting words to the heart are often a skill we forsake learning.

Our youngest went with her Great-Aunt and her youngest cousin to Georgia.  It's the first time our baby, Sophia, has been away other than to Nana's without her siblings.  Having 4 children, there is little space or time to have "alone" time; Sophia enjoys her siblings and treasures the idea of never going to bed ALONE. Ha!  

Small vacation for two little people was just beginning.  Not till the end of day 1, did we talk on the phone.  I was upbeat and full of enthusiasm about having a hot-tub and lots of play time.  I could hear a tiny sniffle.  I tried to remain upbeat; but in a soft tiny voice I heard, "I am homesick, Mama."  I knew we were on a downhill spiral...4.5 hours from home and it's bedtime.

"Can I talk to Katie? and Lija and Daddy?"  Sophia's tiny voice asked.  I said, "Of course."  She and Katie talked for a moment and Katie tenderly shared how sorry she was that Sophia was sad.  She tried to identify with the homesickness feeling and realized she didn't know this feeling.  I listened.  Katie said, "Hold on a minute...Mama?  Have I ever had this feeling?"  I paused realizing she wasn't ever really homesick.  "No Katie I don't think so."  The conversation continued.  Katie displaying empathy and ending with I will pray for you...  

"Dear Jesus, Be with Sophia our little sister.  She is having a hard time on her vacation.  

Help to be happy and not be sad tomorrow.  And thank you that Nana will be there Tuesday.  Amen."

I was touched.  Elijah's conversation was next.  Sweet to the point still filled with empathy and ending with "I miss you Sophia."  Again Scott and I trying to stay positive and encourage Sophia that Nana would be coming Tuesday and she would get to go to the American Girl Tea Room.  We said goodnight and all ended well.

Today Katie said how much she missed Grace and Sophia.  She described our family as incomplete without them even though they would be home soon.  I first felt a bit sad because if Katie were "normal" she would be on the mission's trip with Grace.  She wouldn't be longing for playing pretend with Sophia either.  As that thought crossed my mind another intersected.  Katie has an insight to the slogans..."Jesus friend of sinners"  and loving your neighbor than I had experienced.  She didn't pretend to know Sophia's feelings of homesickness but listened and prayed on the spot with her sister.  She missed the connection of our "whole" family being under one roof.  Katie understands the language.

Thanks to those who cannot see, showing us the way.  For those who cannot walk, guiding us.  For those with sensitivity to their environment, modeling the greatest expression of empathy.  Walking the journey is not having all the answers or even knowing how to pray.  It's listening and saying the words, laying the burden for your friend at the feet of Jesus.