Yesterday I arrived early to the adult session of Stake Conference. I found a seat on the last bench in the chapel. As I tried to make myself comfortable, it became obvious to me and to others that I had come alone.
I watched for over a half hour as couple after couple entered the room. Occasionally a few widows from my ward would pass me, but mostly it was married couples that made their way, together, into the chapel.
Across the chapel, and entering from different locations, I recognized several familiar faces. I saw many faces of people who had passed my way in life.
Well the meeting started and I continued to sit alone. The Spirit was sweet as we listened to the various speakers. Then one of the counselors in the Stake Presidency spoke about the Good Samaritan, showed a church video adaptation of the story, and then asked for members of the congregation to give examples from their own life.
I was prompted to comment, but I did not. Immediately my mind was flooded with the Spirit and I began to tear up. “You are not alone,” came the soft sweet voice. “For tonight you are surrounded by friends.”
If I had been given a chance to bear testimony about a Samaritan moment in my life I would not have been able to choose just one, for in that very audience were many people who had been Samaritans to me.
In that room was a quorum member who didn't really know me, but during my darkest hours, would somehow know the right Friday to call me up and ask me to lunch. In that room was a sweet couple who had practically adopted me as a son and contacted me daily to talk and to listen. In that very room was a home teacher who faithfully came regularly and gave more than just lessons. He also had been through a divorce, but was happily remarried and provided encouragement and hope during my most painful moments.
Samaritans come into our lives for many reasons, but the lesson I learned that night was that Good Samaritans listen. They listen to the Spirit to know when to stop and save souls. But they are also there to listen to those who are lost, broken and hurting.
We live in an age where communication tools are so prevalent, but are we passing by without paying attention, are we passing up opportunities to really opening up our hearts to hear those who sometimes just need someone to talk to--they just need someone to listen.
Before the meeting a former member of my ward did stop to ask how I was doing. Birth had deprived her of some mental faculties and her ability to communicate was clearly impaired, but her heart was pure and her loving kindness was apparent as she asked how I was coping and wanted me to know that she cared so much and wanted to help in any way.
I left the meeting alone but I left the meeting rejuvenated by the memories of true friends and the message from the speakers and the Spirit that we can mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort, if we do as the Samaritan and the Savior did, and stop and listen.
