Are we too busy for this?

I had the opportunity of taking my mom to her chemo treatment a few weeks ago. It was something I’ve never done before as my dad and older brother have taken her a majority of times. But this time I was able to go and I was so glad I was able to.

While my mom and I were waiting for her treatment to start, a young doctor walked past us that helped my mom months ago. As the young doctor was walking past it was clear that she was in a hurry. But as my mom stopped her and began to talk to her another more important thing became clear to me.

My mom mattered to her. Sure, my mom wasn’t her patient anymore but she cared enough to listen to her an engage her in a chat. So the doctor stood there and actively listened and talked to my mom.

In fact, many of the other nurses throughout the day also went out of their way to welcome my mom, make her feel comfortable and engage her. Sure, they were all busy but because they took the time it really made a difference in my mom’s day.

Here’s the point. Sometimes the best thing we can do is listen and engage in conversations with people. Sure, we are busy. Sure, we have “important” things to do. But aren’t starting and developing relationships one of the most important thing we could be doing?

The problem is we make ourselves so busy that we lose sight of relationships.  Sure, all the behind the scenes work we do is important, but we can’t lose sight of the importance of relationships.

Why?  Because everyone has a story. Everyone has scars. Sometimes they aren’t as noticeable but they are there.  And, it is through relationships that more people can come to know Christ.  It is when we take time to sit and listen, help them process life and answer tough questions that we are able to help them discover and experience Him.

So what can we do this week to focus on relationships and delegate some of the other behind the scenes work to others?