Feb2014_Faith and Living . . .

by Pastor Gary Levens 

Many times during my ministry life, I’ve sat with someone who is terminally ill and chatted and prayed but mostly just listened as they share things that come right from the heart. When someone is about to die they are not interested in idle chit chat but rather they’re ready to talk about issues that are close to the bone.  Life issues. 

Nearly everyone in that situation tells me that the things they consider the most important in their life were not the things they did, nor the things they accumulated or the places they went.  But the most important things were the relationships they developed.  Family and friends.  Some are regretful that they hadn’t spent more time and effort in what they now consider the thing most precious. 

It’s certainly taught me to prioritise spending time with my family members and to nurture my friendships which so often seem to get squeezed out of a busy schedule. 

Like everything else, relationships go through seasons. Sometimes a relationship seems so fulfilling and fruitful to us and it’s easy to make time to be together and it’s simply a case of enjoying one another’s company.  Another time though, it just doesn’t seem as easy and it can even be a bit draining to spend time with a friend, particularly if they’re going through a rough patch and the conversation is very focused on their issue.  It’s good to remember during those times that the season will change again and then perhaps it’ll be you that needs a caring, listening ear. 

Proverbs 16:28 …gossip separates close friends. 

Gary Levens is Pastor of Dayboro Church.