More than a Massage

By Brian Smith

from L'Arche's Weekly Inspirational Stories:

Joe is the manager of a busy L’Arche woodworking shop. It was Friday, the day when the whole crew goes out for lunch, and Joe was exhausted from a very demanding week and wishing that, instead, he could just relax alone for an hour. He climbed into the driver’s seat of the car, already full of workers eager for their trip to the local hamburger place. David was seated directly behind Joe. Leaning forward, he began to massage Joe’s shoulders. “Keep that up, David, and I’ll give you a raise!” Joe quipped. But it was David’s response that really lifted Joe’s fatigue: “I don’t want a raise, Joe,” said David. “I just want to be with you.”