A note to men about walking through the woods in the dark
When, by chance, your car breaks down, your cell is out of range and you are walking through the woods to find help on a moonless, starless night, with the woman you love beside you…
When neither of you can see a hand in front of your face and she calls out, “Are you there?” because she can’t feel you next to her…
When, for a split second, it crosses your mind to be silent, just for a moment, and then you realize she would NOT think it was funny…
You know exactly what to do and I’m sure you would do it.
You say, “I’m here!” and you reach out your hand to touch her, proving that you were right there all the time.
Well, of course, you’re there. Where else would you be, unless her name is Sculley and yours is Mulder? She needs to be reassured and you’re ready to reassure her… even though you were in the middle of thinking about the cell phone carrier you should have chosen so you could GET COVERAGE HERE.
Here’s what you may not know:
When, in the comfort of your own home, ten minutes before the game starts, she is telling you about her day, the wedding, or her sister…
When you realize she has stopped talking and you’re pretty sure she hasn’t asked a question and so there’s really no reason for you to say anything…
When, there she is, looking at you like she expects something…
You’re right back there in that forest!
She is really asking if you are beside her, traveling down the path with her, because she can’t feel you next to her.
You nod your head and you say, pretty much, what she just said about her day, the wedding, or her sister, proving that you were right there all the time.
Then, in the dark forest that life can become sometimes, you both continue happily down the path.
Matthew 14:27 Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church.
(christian counseling, christian psychologist, marriage counseling, communication, relationships, alone, fear )
David Hamilton
Guest Author
This is a wonderful post, Dr. H. We all need to know that someone is there and cares.
“Don’t be afraid, take courage, I am here.” What comforting and strengthening words for all God’s children, not just those of us going through dark and fearful times.
Wow! This one is pretty powerful. I think I was led to this tonight; I am feeling sorta lonely.
good read.
When, for a split second, it crosses your mind to be silent, just for a moment, and then you realize she would NOT think it was funny…
I thought it was funny! Ok, maybe not humorous at that moment, but it’ll be funny later when you’re retelling the story. :)
I know there are so many distractions in our lives. And some days it’s difficult to really be there. But, most of us want someone to just listen. Not fix it, explain it or solve it. But just listen.
This is one of my favorite posts. The “being there” applies to so much in life.