We encounter them everyday–people who need.  
“How are you?” we ask breezily–moving on without waiting for the answer hidden behind the flippant response, “Okay.  I’m fine.”  But, the young mother who just walked through the door?  Did we notice the determined set of her face or the wetness glistening on the dark rim of her sunglasses?
She needs someone to be her cheerleader–just for one moment.  Someone who’ll remind of simple truths–God loves you…I care…you aren’t alone.
“It’s nice to meet you,”  we say with a bright smile.  And, in a rush to finish the day’s to-do list we hurry away thinking about today’s meeting…what we’ll make for dinner…whether or not we remembered to pay this month’s utility bill.  We brushed off the glimmer of response in her eyes–the invitation to friendship.
 
She needs someone be a companion.  A trustworthy traveler who’ll walk alongside without judging the depth of the valleys or height of the mountains.  Someone who’ll remind of simple truths–a friend loves at all times…He will never leave you…find joy in the small things.
People who need–words of hope, a tender touch, time from another.  People who need–the heart of Jesus expressed through those who love Him.
 
Scripture for Reflection
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
(Ephesians 4:1-3 MSG)