We Have An Ever-Present Advocate

The wind swirled around me, kissing my neck and lifting flaps and folds of my clothing with each short breath. The summer was turning to Fall, and air temps were hovering between almost warm and too cool. The circle of women was already in prayer as I stepped in to join them. Our back drop was our town’s historic courthouse steps.

As our session came to an end, several friends suggested we go across the street and eat lunch together at the Olympia, known for its specialty sandwiches and homemade chocolates. Its longevity extends beyond all of us, even the 70s something-year-old who seemed to be beloved by the rest.  I had not had the privilege of meeting her before, but we were introduced on our brief walk across the street.  Dee was charming and sweet-natured and connected to the others through a small church group that meets together regularly.

It soon became obvious that Dee was eager to treat her friends to lunch that day. They each stepped up to the restaurant window to place an order while she fished for her wallet from her purse. I had not been told to “just tell her what you want” and there was an awkward moment as the clerk looked at me, the only one who hadn’t ordered, and asked what I wanted. I graciously said I’d order after the others had been paid for. 

They were all sitting down enjoying conversation when I finished my ordering and joined them. I knew a few of them recognized that I was the only who had not been treated to lunch, but it wasn’t their decision that had created my lack, so no one mentioned it. 

In that moment, I felt the sting of being left out and uninvited, even though I knew there was no animosity or ill will towards me.  My head could assess the reality that this was a time to “adult” the situation, but my heart felt the pang of rejection.

I silently voiced my feelings to the One who comes alongside with sympathy and comfort.  “Help me handle this well. I thank you that you see me right now and that you care. You do understand, because you’ve been in these feelings on a much greater level than this.”  It was as though He then winked at me and held my hand. What a special, secret exchange!

Later as I reflected on the experience, still feeling a lingering bit of bitter sweetness, I thought of how just one person could have changed things for me; maybe discreetly offering to buy my lunch, or handing me some money. The thought held no self-pity or judgment on anyone, but captured my imagination. My next thought was to make a declaration and offer a prayer.  Should I ever be in a situation where someone else is left out, I want to notice them. I want to offer kindness.

May my discomfort, make me more sensitive to others and teach me how to do to others as I would want them to do to me.