Supportation

So this weekend I had the incredible opportunity to go to Francesville and the world relief informational meeting.  The talks were good, our conversations were better.  There was a group of about six of us from the PYG who ended up being able to spend a good amount of the day together and discuss various topics.  We got to the fellowship hall a little late, I believe around 10 or so, we stayed until the noon meal, went to Jon's place, hung out played some games, had an impromptu singing, some good discussions, snacks and then returned to the church for the afternoon meal and program.

A couple of things that stood out from the weekend were these:
1. the power of support.  One of the last events of the day was a discussion panel with a few retired missionaries (Regg included).  Over and over it kept coming back, that they wanted to know that people supported them, and were praying for them and the like.  Earlier, people were given the opportunity to put questions on note cards for them to answer.  Most of the questions were either answered already, or were this, "how can we support you."  you know that little heart flop that sometimes you get when an emotion is stirred?  well that happened.  I'm not sure if it was for everyone or just for me, but I'm guessing I wasn't the only one.  I was like wait a minute, what was that all about??  Why this feeling?  What was so significant about the question that would stir an emotion like this?  Then I realized:  The reason is, people want to know that people are behind them, no matter what.  No matter the mistakes, no matter the trial, no matter where, no matter whatever variable is there.  People want to know that THEY are supported. Not their actions, not their gifts, them, they as people.  People usually know when they've made a mistake.  Generally they know where their life needs work.  Sometimes WE don't understand what is going on enough to have an opinion on their matter, but we form one anyway.  That is usually not helpful, especially if our advice is based on poor information, and contrary to the real truth of the matter.  People don't rely on each other for advice.  Sometime it is helpful, but that isn't why we NEED each other.  We need each other for the support.  To know we are remembered and not walking alone.  Sometimes this support is expected.  Such as my family.  I know my family is always behind me no matter what.  I could have voted for Obama and they would still love me (I'm pretty sure).  But just think of the the power of receiving support from an unexpected source.  A friend informs you that they have been praying for you, for no other reason than they care about YOU.  Wow!  Then I realized I have not done a very good job of this.  As much as I care about some people, I rarely express it.  Probably mainly for the reason that I'm sure that they have enough support from those closer to them.  Anyway it was just a topic that hit me this weekend.