THREE LITTLE WORDS--I’ll Be There
You may tell me that “I’ll” is not a word or that it is two words. When it is spoken, it sounds like one word and I think of it as one.
When I was a teenager there was a popular song called “Three Little Words” which ended up with the line ,“Three little words. Eight little letters which simply mean I love you.” Those words are of course among the sweetest in the language, and they make up a phrase which can really warm the heart. We probably can’t hear it or say it often enough.
But there is another phrase--again three little words--which to me is equally heart-warming and a joy and sometimes a relief to hear or find in a message. Those words are “I’ll be there.” Receiving this promise from a grandson whose Christmas plans had been uncertain for a time gave a real lift and inspiration for baking his favorite cookies. Even hearing these words from a neighbor who is coming over for morning coffee is a source of pleasure.
In a difficult time when it was necessary to have a troublesome matter handled in court, receiving the message from my son that he would be present gave a great feeling of relief and confidence that I would have the help I needed.
At a sad time when we suffered a death it was such a comfort to hear “I’ll be there” from family and friends who came to offer help and support.
When facing surgery I was greatly encouraged by my daughter’s word that she would be there.
In the musical, “Two from Galilee,” there is a poignant scene where Mary and Joseph are singing and she invites him to dinner. It is easy to sense the joy of both when Joseph with great feeling sings the phrase, “I’ll be there.”
Thinking of the times when those words were particularly meaningful to me reminds me again of the promise of our Lord. As He assured his disciples of His presence when He said, “For, lo, I am with you always....,” we too can claim this assurance and remember that He has said, “I’ll be there.”