Friday, October 11, 2024
When I was a college professor, students would pop in and ask, “Are you available?” Too many times they saw on my face I had countless emails to answer, deadlines to meet, and tasks to complete. I was “too busy” doing work I didn’t want to do, especially as department chair. How much more effective could I have been, had I availed myself? I’m not talking about allowing people to take advantage of you, but just to be open to what they might want in that moment – to perhaps be more curious and to prioritize people over “work.”
Human interaction wasn’t pulling me away. I was pulling away from it. Now, no-one has time for small talk. No-one wants to chitchat, commune, or share. Now that I’m available in retirement, I’m getting a taste of my own medicine. Yuck!
To avail means to be a help or benefit. It implies a certain openness. There is a reason why you are here – to become more available. From Latin, valere , avail means ‘be strong, be of value.’ We must see our own value, and we must add value to others. Too many of us feel worthless.
I guess I felt worthless, and then projected that on others. I felt human interaction was worthless, and “work” was more important. What a misjudgment! People are a priority. You have to be open to what’s right in front of you. You have to embrace the human interaction you have now, or it will dry up like the desert. To restart the flow, avail yourself. Be of value to those in your life, now, even the least among you. Encourage, interact, listen, look, and love. Welcome everyone. No-one is wasting your time and nothing is worthless.
“Are you available?” asks the passerby. “Why yes I am – please, come in!” Remember to keep your priorities straight.