Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15, ESV)
Listen for the pain.
Four words uttered by Links Players President Jeffrey Cranford at a summer staff meeting in 2019. Four words that have stuck with me since that July day.
Listen for the pain.
I’m not talking about your buddy bellyaching for more strokes or the inevitable groan after a poor shot.
I’m talking about the loss, sorrow, frustration, regret, loneliness, self-doubt, and self-loathing so many carry around, hidden only by words of deflection. It’s all around us.
Listen for the pain.
Like my friend on the golf course, who ordered a diet soda last year rather than his customary beers. “That’s not the order I’m used to hearing,” I said. He sheepishly replied, “Yeah, I’m going through some changes in my life.” Rather than let the comment slide, the typical response among golf buddies, I leaned into the situation by offering an ear. He’s now a regular participant at a local Links Fellowship, in community with other brothers dealing with their own struggles.
Listen for the pain.
Tune your ears to empathy and you might be surprised at how clearly you hear the hints.Like my single buddy who lives by himself since his adult kids are out on their own. For those clamoring for a little “me” time, that may sound like an enviable position. That’s not what I heard on the Zoom call this past spring, when he said with all sincerity while choking back a tear, “It’s good to see you guys.” While some may have been looking for an escape from family during COVID-19 lockdowns, this friend just wanted to be around someone. Anyone. He couldn’t say yes fast enough to my offer of a bike ride around White Rock Lake.
Listen for the pain.
As we were standing on the third tee in the final round of the senior club championship in August, I told my playing partners, “Win or lose, I’ll be spending tomorrow at Baylor while my wife gets chemo, so I’m going to enjoy today.” I convinced myself at the time I was taking my mind off the stress of competition, but upon further review it was more likely my own way of inviting people into my hurt as caregiver for a sick wife.
Now don’t get me wrong. As Paul encouraged in today’s verse, we are to rejoice as well as weep. ’Tis the season to be jolly, right?
I distinctly remember three members of my club who wholeheartedly rejoiced with me in victory that day. Thinking about the sincerity of their joy in my accomplishment still warms my heart.
But my point today is to encourage you to sharpen your reception during this holiday season. People drop clues in their speech all the time. Tune your ears to empathy and you might be surprised at how clearly you hear the hints.
Want to give a meaningful gift this year?
Listen for the pain.
—
Drew Hamilton
December 22, 2020
Copyright 2020 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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