This morning, I sat on my front porch and said, “Good morning,” to a woman passing by.

She replied, “Oh, hello,“ and then quickly added, “Sorry I didn’t sleep last night, but it’s OK. I’m happy since my daughter is waiting for me at the park.”

I responded, “Well, I’m still going to pray that you sleep tonight.”

Her face contorted, and I noticed her welling up.

Her mouth quivered, and she said, “Thanks. I need prayers. I lost my husband on May 5th.”

I rushed down my steps and smooshed her with a hug.

She pressed her body into mine and allowed me to rub her back as she wept on my shoulder.

I asked if she would want me to pray for her.

She nodded, so I did.

She gave me one last hug goodbye.

I walked up my stairs, into my house, and poured myself a cup of tea.

My tea slogan was, “Your strength is shared when you are present for others ”I giggled and thought, only you, God.

It was a good reminder to really see and love others.

Can you slow down to see others?

You may be just what somebody else needs. To love is the greatest gift.

“If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.”

1 Corinthians 13: 3 NLT