We Need People

 I stood at the top of the driveway, golf clubs beside me, anxiously watching for you to turn your car onto my street. As I saw your car, I picked up my golf bag and walked over to put my clubs in the trunk. Looking forward to every minute of time with you the next few hours would bring.

Yes, I was looking forward to playing golf. The game you loved and patiently helped me learn to play.

But, it was so much more than that alone that made me look forward to this time. So much more that made a seventeen year old just a few days away from starting grade 12 look forward to a few hours with my grandparents.

For the last five years, I'd chosen to spend the hours with you. There was nothing unusual about the activities of this day for you and me. We'd probably done the same thing at least a hundred times before.

But, on this day, I was especially looking forward to this time. I was feeling the pressure of going into grade 12 and the decisions I'd have to start making right away. Decisions about college or university - would I stay local or go away, what I would study. I was already feeling overwhelmed by it all.

I knew that in the hours to come, I would have a safe place to spill that all out. That you would listen first - until I was done talking. And then you'd ask your questions and give me space to think and answer. Only after all that, would you join the chorus of voices telling me what I should or shouldn't do. Only after being sure you understood as much as you could, would you chime in with your perspective and advice.

As you dropped me off at home a few hours later, I felt a little less overwhelmed. I had a bit more clarity on things. It wasn't all figured out, but I felt heard. And I knew I had you support, love, prayers.

This came back to my mind the last few days, as I found myself feeling the same feelings. The overwhelm and not knowing what to do. I missed the way it was so easy growing up to share this with my grandparents.

And it made me realize the value I have in the friendships where I can talk about how I'm really doing. I know I have a handful of friends I could call in those moments and they would listen, care, love, support, pray.

This time I didn't call any of them, although looking back I wish I had. But, I was reminded of how we need these relationships in our lives.

And I was challenged in the independence our society tells us is a good thing. That very thing that kept me from making the call to a friend this time. We're told we shouldn't need anyone - that we should be able to figure out ourselves.

We're told we shouldn't need anyone, and, even though I know better, I bought the lie this time.

But, Scripture makes it pretty clear that we need each other. We weren't made to go through life alone. Over and over, we see encouragements to keep meeting together, to care for each other, to show up for each other.

Who are your people that you can call on when you can't do it on your own?

When was the last time you called one of them? Why?

Why do you hesitate to call them?

How can you challenge the tendency to try to go it alone and get better at reaching out to those around you when you need help?