It was a day like most days. A long list of things to do pushed me hard and fast. I shuffled priorities and still there were things left undone.

The plane was half an hour late, so I had time for a quick bite to eat. Sitting in the small airport restaurant alone, my ears, as well as my eyes, became people conscious. The phone rang behind the counter. Just a shade of relief gradually spread over the worried face of the waitress. A slightly encouraging report from the hospital said there would be no surgery, at least not now.

Later that day, I was standing at one of a long line of telephones in the terminal. I was not eavesdropping, just “ear conscious” of people around me. The lady next to me was desperately trying to encourage someone who seemed near a nervous breakdown. On the other side, a young man stood talking, pleading. It was very evident that there had already been a breakdown of communication in his family. A middle-aged lady passed by; her drooping face and staring eyes spoke of troubled sadness. 

I recall a brief encounter with a frightened young woman in the terminal who was traveling to visit a severely handicapped and mentally impaired child in an institution. I offered my help. Politely, she said, “No.” 

I offered a prayer.

Eagerly, she said, “Please do.”

A sampling of strangers; many of them so sad. The anxiety of all the “things” left undone had been replaced with a “people concern.” I thanked Him for stopping me and sending me off alone. Forced quiet and ‘un-busyness’ let me hear again with my heart. I felt one with Him as we saw the people and were moved with compassion.

The world is hurting. I cannot heal it, but my presence, my touch, my smile, a word, or a prayer can be a small application of the balm of Gilead. I am not the Great Physician, but I can be a sensitive nurse and follow the Doctor’s orders.

“As ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

What are you doing to touch your world today?