Monday, April 8, 2024
Connected in story, connected in christ
Learning to Lean In by Craig Musselman
For some reason, leaning in doesn’t come as naturally to me as it should. I have a lot to learn.
I recall a number of sermons at St. John’s recently that have addressed noticing others who appear to be struggling and “leaning in” – taking the time to listen and to respond with kindness.
During a recent trip to Arizona, I was in a hotel lobby frequently. I noticed an elderly man (as elderly as I am) who was spending much of his time alone in the lobby. He had a long beard and walked very slowly with a cane. Walking appeared painful. One afternoon in the lobby, he reached out and offered me a “Johnsonville sausage” that he had made in his room cooked just the way he liked it he said. I politely declined as we were headed out to lunch.
Later that evening, as I was headed up to my room, I noticed him sitting on the periphery of the lobby, alone as usual. Recalling those sermons at St. John’s, I decided uncharacteristically to lean in. I sat down across from him and engaged him in what turned out to be a long conversation. I listened as I heard his life story. In recent years, he had made mistakes due to a gambling addiction, and he had lost his house where he and his wife lived. His wife had moved to live with their daughters in the midwest. He had had major back surgery last year with very painful recuperation and had been assigned to live in this hotel for the past ten months. He said he missed his wife and his dog. We talked about his dog, our family’s dogs, and dogs in general. He said that the hotel manager had offered to drive him to the midwest but he was hesitant because his daughters had not yet forgiven him for how he had treated his wife in losing his house. We talked a little about forgiveness and how hard that often is.
After our long conversation, he said, “Thank you for visiting with me. I am so lonely.”
This leaning in connection was worthwhile for both of us. Still, contrary to the example in a recent sermon, I didn’t offer to give him a hug. I guess I need to take this leaning in step by step…
What practices, habits or disciplines do you have that help you feel connected to God? Share the story of your practice, in word, image, or art, via email to the Pastor Aaron at associate@stjohnsnh.org.