Would you like something hot to drink?

Would you like something hot to drink?

This was usually the first thing out of the mouth of our seminary professor of pastoral care when one of us appeared in his office doorway.  In the hallways we would laugh about this mode of pastoral care.  Now, years later, its wisdom is more obvious.  I have used it myself, many many times.  There are many ways to offer something hot to drink.  Studies have even been done that say that when we receive a hot drink from someone, we feel them to be a warm person.  But beyond that, the offer of a drink, perhaps a chair to sit in, is a beginning.  A beginning of saying: I*m here for you.  If the offer is made to us, and we say yes, then we are there too.

Consider this:

Lent starts tomorrow.  Would you like something hot to drink?  Would you like to sit down and stay awhile?  Would you like to skip or meander through Lent with me?