A humble woman prays

Often a blessing is a blessing for both sides or should I saw all three.

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Give your hands, your feet, your mouth, your eye and all of you to do God’s work!

Every week, I get to visit church members/visitors who live or are temporarily staying in a care facility. Many times, it is like a step away from reality. You slow down and visit. They share how they are. You share information concerning the church and church family. You both may discuss the season and the weather. The weather is a rather boring , last ditch effort for conversation. Or is it?

A little over a month ago, I went to visit James. As we were talking , I realized that it wasn’t one of his “Happy” days. An idea jumped into my mind and I asked the nurse if it was possible. After receiving the okay, I asked James if he would like to go out to the garden to sit. Enthusiastically he proclaimed “Oh Yes”!

After passing all the alarms and locks, the nurse was truly an angel. The nurses at care facilities work so hard so for one to take time to help get a “Runner” outside is a blessing indeed.

Back to the blessing… James and I ended up outside , he in his wheelchair and I found a cast iron chair. We were enjoying the birds. You would have thought they are miracles but aren’t they one of God’s miraculous creations? Oh yes, Be still and enjoy God’s creation.

You see, we often think we are giving a blessing to others. In this case, I thought I was giving this blessing to James but it was a blessing for us and God who was with us!

Cloud watching was such a fun conversation that day. We both were discussing the cloud shapes. But then James shared “Look at Snoopy!” We giggled like children.

We were also enjoying the sunshine on our faces for a few minutes. Do you remember the feeling of the sun shining on your face, with your eyes closed, just feeling?

The sun went behind the cloud and we sat quietly. James softly shared “Its been years since I have been outside.” I am sure, the van trips to the doctor or the ambulance rides to the hospital, don’t allow time to find Snoopy, bird watch, admire the leaves changing colors or feel the sun on your face. But we did that day. Our voices joining in laughter and our faces brighten by smiles. What a day! What a blessing! A memory that we keep in our hearts!

Is there someone in your life who stays home or in a care facility that would enjoy a visit from you. It doesn’t take long but it keeps giving for them and for you!

Let’s pray…

Our heavenly father, We praise you for the beautiful creation that you made for us to enjoy. We praise you for the beautiful , no not perfect, but beautiful people you bring into our lives. Lives that we should nurture and care for to show your love. The love you bless us by giving us life, being with us when we feel all alone. And yes when we are busy and leave you all alone. Please forgive us. Remind us by putting in our hearts and our minds to visit others, to care for all, to share the Lord’s love with all.

Scripture: Matthew 25:37-40 RSV

Matthew 25:37-40

³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? ³⁸ And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? ³⁹ And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’