Being Where You Are
Posted on 05. Jan, 2011 by Josh Agerton in Formation
I’ve been reading a book again that a friend gave to me a few years ago…“I’m Proud of You” by Tim Madigan. It’s the account of an unlikely friendship that took place between Madigan (staff writer for Fort Worth Star newspaper) and Fred Rodgers…aka Mr. Rodgers – you know the one with the neighborhood.
I read the book years ago along with 2 of my closest friends. It had a tremendous impact on each of us – teaching us the true ways of being present with one another in the deepest kind of friendship. Then I picked it up again in the last few days and have loved it again. Here’s one particular account – the first phone conversation that took place between Madigan and Rodgers:
“Do you know the most important thing in the world to me right now”, Fred asked.
No, I said.
“Talking to Mr. Madigan on the telephone.”
I’m sure I blushed, incredulous and skeptical. But somehow, in the way he said it, in that famous, gentle, oh-so-slow voice, I knew that the famous man was speaking the truth.
I want to be like this – giving myself fully to those people that Christ puts before me. Time to slow down, listen, look at people and be fully present to their feelings and needs.
