How do you feel when someone asks you, “Are you available?”
Sometimes when the question is asked, there are no other details given, leaving the respondent wondering where the person asking is going with this.
For example, “Are you available on Saturday?” If I answer “Yes,” what am I getting myself into? If I say “No” and that’s not true, and they find out, how will that turn out? If say “Maybe,” then I’ve created a real dilemma because now the person knows I’m seeking more information and that I will base my availability upon whatever they’re asking.
I pose this question “Are you available?” based upon the growing needs of society all around us. We hear about the hardships of life all the time. And too often we conclude there is nothing we can do about it.
Why is that? I have a firm belief that God created you by design and on purpose. It is also my conviction that you were given abilities unique to you that in their fullest expression are used to help others.
I understand that you have been led to believe your abilities are only to serve you. They’re not. It’s why we love the stories of people who give of themselves in the lives of others, for no other reason than it’s the right thing to do. Books are written about these stories. Movies are made. We can’t get enough of life-giving individuals who invest in others.
As a pastor, in the church circles I travel in, it’s often said that God just wants our availability. What is meant by this is just show up and do something.
I don’t think that’s entirely true. The reason I don’t believe that’s true is that if it’s just about my availability, then am I not still just making it about me? I’ll show up if I’m available. If it’s convenient for me. If I have time.
But if it’s true that I have unique God-given talents and abilities, then true availability is making those characteristics of who I am available to others. Let me define availability this way: “Availability is making your ability available.” Can others avail themselves of your ability?
Maybe instead of waiting to be asked if you’re available, when you see a need that you can meet, why not initiate the help instead?
The world is full of needs. All you have to do is open your eyes, and you’ll see them. And in a weird twist, when you begin to live this way, you’ll discover a greater joy to life.
Of course it’s going to demand sacrifice. It will cost you time. It might even cost you money. But in the end, it truly is greater to give than to receive.
So, instead of waiting to be asked “Are you available?” why not be proactive and simply learn to say, “I am available. I’d like to help.”
Brad LeRoy is lead pastor of Harvest Church in Mt. Comfort. This weekly column is written by local clergy members.
