In late winter, I went to my mom’s home for a few days while she prepared for surgery and a hospital stay. I was stranded there by a snowstorm. My dear cranky old cat was left alone back at my place. He had plenty of food and water, but he was a needy monster when I returned, following me around, grumbling, mewing, and crying. He needed attention and affection; he needed me to be really there.
I think this is a lesson about the things we are attached to – people and pets. Sometimes they just need us to be really there. Not distracted by tasks or electronic gadgets. Not physically present but mentally someplace else.
The best thing I did for my mom that week was to be there–present and supportive during a trying time. Even if my cat didn’t think so.
This message was adapted from “Being There,” a post on the Women of the ELCA blog, written by Kate Elliott.
Do you enjoy these free Daily Grace messages? If so, donate now to further the ministry. Use the “where needed most” line. Subscribe to Gather magazine for full articles excerpted in Daily Grace.
reply
retweet
favorite