I met a lady  this week who needed from me - a complete stranger - who poured out her  worry regarding her illness. I was shopping for a little rug and we stood in the isle and the only thing she had to say was how difficult her life was.

Later that day,  I wondered, "Couldn't that be different?" I mean, isn't there a better, more satisfying way for her to receive encouragement and comfort and love and attention so that her first encounter with the outside world is not "needing"? Pain and illness forces us into solitude. It can either be a welcome place  or a place of restlessness where we just collect our words and frustration for the next available person who will listen. I would suggest that there is a better way.