What the Heart Longs For….
Posted by Brent on Dec 20, 2011 in Blog Entries | 3 comments
Who will love her as she needs to be loved?
Light snow fell as I walked into McDonalds in this small town in Nebraska. I had just finished meeting with one of my favorite clients – we always meet at 6:00 a.m. at the same restaurant.
I had a gap in between meetings, so I headed to McDonald’s for coffee and a Wifi connection.
A young lady stood behind the counter. Trying to be friendly, I asked her what time she had to get up. We engaged in a bit of small talk, then I was about to place my order…when she decided to share more details of her life:
- It’s harder to get up in the mornings now that I’m pregnant.
- My boyfriend that I got pregnant with just left me
- Do you know where I can get a lab? (a dog for companionship)
The comments caught me off guard and I didn’t really know what to say. I did the best I could…but it still didn’t feel like it was enough.
The truth is…for what she’s looking for, no human being can offer. I think she’s looking desperately looking for unconditional love and acceptance.
Still, I did the best I could. I tried to empathize with her situation about being a soon to be single Mom. I told her about my friend in town who is a Veterinarian…that he would be a good contact person to help her find a dog. (I know he’s also a Godly man that serves people well).
What do you think? What was she looking for? Can it be found in another human being?
I don’t know if I’ll ever see her again. But…I’ll meet many people like her in my life. I’ll do my best to love and encourage them…but I know there’s no one person to meet their needs. I know it’s someone Bigger than me who can meet their needs.
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What an interesting encounter you had with that young lady. It seems to me she was reaching out, and desperate for someone to hear her story, maybe even offer some words of encouragement. And I believe you provided that, Brent! I also don’t think it was coincidence that you were there, asking her a simple question about getting up early. I am also of the belief that there is no human being (nor pet) that can fill that void, and meet those deep needs. I, too, have been in those situations where someone shares their hurts/needs and all I know to do is point them to God. But my heart is always sooo very heavy after those encounters, as my human instinct is to want to do something on my own to help. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Hi Jennifer -
I appreciate your comments….and encouragement
. I think we can offer words of hope the best we can….and try to point people towards God. I agree that we can’t fill that void in others lives…that only God can fully fill that.
My heart is heavy after those encounters as well….I want others to see that there is Someone to fill the void
Appreciate you and Eric….you are 2 cool Bertaldo’s :O)
Brent, that is so wonderful that you were so sensitive and responsive to her. She obviously felt comfortable sharing such personal information and I totally agree that only God can truly meet and satisfy the longing in her heart. I pray she knows Him or will very soon. You certainly met her need for connection, which at times can meant the world! God bless you for responding as you did.