Support Networks

No, that’s not my car, but I can always pretend. Posting a picture of my car would not have been quite as catchy or exciting, but I am grateful to “have wheels” and to occasionally be able to use them to bless or support other people in my community.

In my Wednesday morning Bible study group, I have been appreciating how one guy in the group has recently given multiple rides to another guy in the group who has had a series of serious medical appointments and procedures in Denver, an hour or so away. Sure, he’s a retired guy with some flexibility in his schedule, but it’s still a significant commitment of mileage and time. He does it quietly and humbly.

These thoughts caused me to reflect on support networks. Many people have family members close by who are present for various happenings of life – rides, childcare, emotional support, meals together, holiday celebrations, etc. It’s a beautiful thing. It is also neat to see when church groups support each other through thick and thin. It seems biblical. It is neat to watch and even neater to be a part of.

Then I think of many others in my community who don’t have much of a support network, including the guy who I arranged to meet at 4:00 in the morning and provided transportation to his surgery appointment 90 miles away. He has been in the U.S. for one year and has spent half of that time sick. All of his immediate family members are in West Africa. I’m not sure what friendships he has developed in the past year, but my instinct is to think they are limited, knowing he is still quite new to the community, has been sick, and speaks French far better than English. I was his emergency contact person at check-in for the surgery, even though I had met him less than two hours prior.

Though not always easy, to me it is a significant, rewarding opportunity to be part of someone’s support network. Especially when they really need it. Especially when it helps get them moving in a positive direction. Especially when friendship is formed as a result. Especially when God is glorified through it.