^“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15, ESV).

            Spring training has begun. The start of baseball season always brings to my mind a beloved memory. My son, Garrett, played one season for a team that had not won a single game. In the bottom half of the final inning, an opposing batter popped an easily catchable ball into short right field. The second baseman back peddled, signaled to his teammates that the play was his, and incredulously watched as the ball bounced off his glove and onto the ground. The opposing team scored and summarily won the game.

            One by one, Garrett’s team returned to the dugout, collected their belongings, and somberly walked off the diamond. However, the second baseman sat at the end of the bench and hung his head in sorrow. The coaches attempted to console the young man yet to no avail. The boy was simply too distraught that he had let down his team. Failure is a lonesome emotion. Failure can leave one feeling isolated from the rest of the world.

            However, I watched with great interest as the best player on the team turned around and sat down next to his grieving teammate. A long time passed. Not a word was spoken between the two boys. Finally, the consoler stood up, patted his teammate on the back, and said, “Cheer up, we’ll get ‘em next time.” The second baseman looked up at his friend and nodded as he smiled.

            Lengthy speech can at times be overrated. The affirming presence of another by itself can speak volumes to the distressed. The Apostle Paul encouraged the Church to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15, ESV). With is the operative word in this commendation. Being present with others communicates the message of love in a manner far greater than words alone.

            Nothing lifts the cloud of loneliness like a paying a visit to a shut-in. Every child smiles when a busy parent slips in the back door of the auditorium to hear a piano recital. All players welcome the comfort of a pat on the back as much as the cheer of the crowd. Presence matters.  Knowing the right thing to say is secondary. As Woody Allen said, “Eighty percent of life is showing up!”