The Power of Presence

I feel the need to piggyback off the previous blog entry. Although this time the following story, which also involves an older gentleman and a church setting, is true. I know, because I was there.

Many years ago while my husband and I pastored a church plant comprised of mostly young families and which featured contemporary music, an octogenarian gentleman began attending our services. He visited, cane in hand, regularly and on his own. He was a quiet man from out of town. Word had it that he came because he loved our music. I found this unusual, assuming that people of his generation would be put off with our contemporary style which featured a full band, choosing rather to position themselves in a more traditional mode of worship.

Anyway, Mr. G stood out amongst us only because of his age. Otherwise, he was quiet and unassuming. Nobody really knew him. Our family went Christmas carolling at his house one time which he appreciated. Other than that, it would have been easy to overlook him. Until one particular Sunday morning.

Jeff and I had received word that Mr. G had passed away as a result of a fatal car accident in which he was a passenger. A creature of habit, we knew just where his usual spot was to sit. It was empty, of course. We made the announcement of his death to which there was an immediate and collective gasp, followed by a silent hush.

In an instant, we knew that Mr. G’s presence had indeed made an impression. Though his participation was silent, his contribution to the quality of our experience was tangible. His absence spoke volumes to our saddened hearts. He would be missed.

So here’s to all who have the misguided notion that your presence doesn’t matter. Never underestimate what you bring to the table.

“It matters not the number of years in your life. It is the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln