A Devotion for Asking the Bear

Let me tell you a story.*

There once were four friends: Moose, Lion, Zebra and Sheep. They found themselves unexpectedly caught in a rainstorm. They took refuge in a cave, not knowing that there was a very cranky bear sleeping within. The cranky bear awoke with a ROAR and chased the four friends out of the warm, cozy cave.

In an effort to cheer up the bear and find respite in the cave, each of the animal friends came up with ways they thought they could help cheer up the bear and be welcomed back.

The zebra suggested stripes.

The moose thought a pair of antlers might do the trick.

A golden mane was the lion’s idea.

Only the sheep waited, not sure that his friends’ suggestions would work.

And they certainly did not. In fact, the bear ROARED even louder, made crankier by the silly, unnecessary additions by the other animals.

“ALL I REALLY WANT,” said the bear, “IS A QUIET PLACE TO SLEEP!”

Upon hearing this, the sheep knew just what to do. She quickly and quietly fetched a pair of clippers, sheared off half her wool, and made a soft, comfy pillow for the bear to rest on.

This is where the story ends, with a quiet, sleeping, happy bear.

We’d like to think that we’re smarter than these animal friends. Surely, we wouldn’t assume to know what a person would want or need. Certainly, we wouldn’t offer what we would want rather than addressing the particular needs of others.

But just like the animals, our intentions are often well-meaning. We see someone in need and want to spring quickly to action. When we do this, we can often miss the true, unique and personal need of the person we are trying to serve.

I know I have been guilty of the same mindset of the 3 animal friends – rushing ahead to act, never stopping to ask the bear what he needs.

Jesus is probably the only one who has never done this. Throughout Scripture we witness Jesus, again and again, meeting people’s needs in personal and particular ways.

He asks: What are you looking for? (John 1:38)

Why are you looking for me? (Luke 2:49)

What do you want me to do for you? (Mark 10:36, 51)

At the heart of each of these questions is Jesus’ desire to know the person or people before him. His healing is never in part, never self-serving; rather, Jesus tends to the holistic needs of the person: mind, body, and spirit.

He doesn’t assume that he knows what people need (though he probably already does). He asks.

And in the response, the people Jesus cares for are given agency, the power to name their needs and deepest desires of their hearts.

As we serve those recovering from disaster, we may not be able to meet all their needs. Even the largest grant couldn’t do that.

But what we can do is ask.

What do you need to feel safe?

What do you need to feel secure?

What do you need to feel whole?

We may find ourselves surprised or challenged by the answers we receive. And honestly, we may not be able to meet those specific needs at this time.

But what can give people is a chance to speak and to be heard.

And that is good, both for cranky bears and humans alike.

With you on the journey,

Amy

*This is just an abridged version of The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland. I owe credit to UMCOR consultant Angela Overstreet for sharing this in a training session.