December 11, 2023
Martha said, “Lord, if you had been here…” John 11:12 NRSV
Jesus had been asked to come and heal Martha’s brother Lazarus, but he delayed until it was too late. By the time Jesus got there, Lazurus had died and been buried for three days. I think any of us can understand Martha’s feelings and imagine the sadness that Jesus must have felt as he experienced her heart-piercing words. Jesus knew that he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, but I can’t imagine that softened the immediate impact of Martha’s words.
Friends and loved ones showing up matters. There is no getting around that, even in the circumstances aren’t life and death ones. Anne-Sophie (age nine) must have asked me five times in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving if I was going to come to Grandparents’ Day. I’ve shown up for other Grandparents’ Days, as well as chaperoned field trips. But this year, Grandparents’ Day fell on the same day and same time that I had a follow-up appointment for my cataract surgery. I simply could not miss the appointment, given the timing. I told her each time that I really wanted to come but this time I couldn’t because of a doctor’s appointment. I reminded her that Grandpa and I would be coming later that day for Thanksgiving vacation.
Last evening in our WhatsApp video call, she said, “Nana, I have a Christmas present for you. It’s a photo and an incredibly special frame from Grandparents’ day. All my friends had pictures of themselves and their grandparents taken that morning. But not me. That’s why I wasn’t smiling. But I’m still going to give it to you. Even though you and Grandpa came later in the day.”
I replied, “I am so sorry that I couldn’t be there. I had eye surgery and couldn’t miss the appointment. I already have Grandparents’ Day on my calendar for next year so I don’t miss it again.”
Anne-Sophie. “I don’t think they will have Grandparents Day when I am in middle school. I have a Christmas Concert on Wednesday. I have a solo. Can you come?” At that point, her dad stepped in and said, “I’m going to record it so Nana can see it.” Thank goodness since I will be leading worship at the same time in Woodstock which is a good 2 – 3-hour drive given traffic.
I could hear Martha’s words, “If only you have been here…” and grasp a bit of what Jesus must have experienced in disappointing a loved one, even if it wasn’t the end of the story. Neither is this.
Showing up matters. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 