by J. Randal Matheny

Wednesday morning Wilson called me. I'd gone out with him and his wife the day before to look at some buildings for rent, since our congregation is on the move again.

Wilson was concerned about me. Said I'd been acting "different" while we were out. Not my usual chipper self. Wondered what was bothering me.

So I shared with him some of my concerns, some of the things that had been weighing heavily on me as of late.

• The war in Iraq
• Tasks for the planning of the national men's conference in April
• Putting the magazine back on schedule
• Getting everything done for my son's college application (and wondering how to pay for it)

I'm one of those people whose face shows the soul. A college friend (female, yet) told me she could always tell what I was thinking. So when I'm preoccupied with something, my demeanor betrays me.

Wilson's phone call encouraged me. It's good to know a friend is near. Besides that, it gave me opportunity to reflect. Drove me back to the Word and to prayer.

His kind expression of concern powerfully picked me up and allowed me to set aside my worries in order to rejoice at God's goodness in his people.

Maybe you have something bothering you today. Please know that you have friends who are concerned. They may not have expressed it yet, but given half a chance, they'll sidle up to you to be there for you. They may not even mention your bothered state, but may just make themselves present, for you to know someone cares. Don't miss them; notice their presence.

And you may just be the person today to lift someone's burden and give them a reason for joy. A word, a smile, a call is all it may take.

So, what's bothering you today?