Friday, January 14, 2011

As we have therefore opportunity...

let us do good unto all men,
especially unto them who are
of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:10

As most of you know, my mom's mom- my Granny- lives just a few miles from me, so I'm able to see her quite often. Spending time with her at the nursing home I feel like I'm in a totally different world. I see sad things, happy things, frustrating things, and on one day I saw something that was quite encouraging.

After the residents eat their meal, the ones who are able start their slow trek in their wheelchairs from the dining room back to their own rooms. Even though they are only moving a very short distance, it still takes most of them a LONG time. As I was sitting with my Granny, I noticed a resident was stuck and just couldn't keep moving by herself. She was quietly struggling to move, but was not having any success at all. The next thing I knew another lady came along (slowly, of course) in a wheelchair and gave this resident a little push. Then wheeled to catch up and pushed her again. This cycle continued. Push, catch up, push, catch up.

In this, the Lord taught me even if I'm hurting (in a wheelchair, so to speak), I can still help others. I don't know a single person who has not felt some kind of pain or who has not suffered loss of some sort. We all have hurts. We all need encouragement in this life.

It would have been much easier for me if I would have just gotten out of my chair and helped the resident who was struggling to move her wheelchair. Instead I was able to witness a beautiful scene of selflessness and thoughtfulness. What a lonely and sad life would be lived if we continually focus on self. Help us, Lord, to open our eyes and see those who could use encouragement and help.

As a side note: after my mom died (it still hurts to write that...) some of the most precious comfort came from those who suffered very great losses themselves. They opened their hearts and poured out their love. I will be forever grateful to these dear people.

5 comments:

Mike and Misty said...

Love you and praying for you. You are such a blessing to me.

Christy said...

You're a blessing to me, too. Can't wait to take some cookies to the nursing home with you!! Love you lots. :)

Homeschool on the Croft said...

What a blessing for your granny to have you close by....x

Put Your Faith Back into Action said...

Good to know that you get to spend quality time with your grandma. WOw now that is really eye catching to see someone do that and so encouraging. Sometimes when I went in there to see the hubbys grandma for a bit and some others it was kinda hard cause there were some that just couldnt do anything but yet they were happy and didnt give up then there were some that would but have and ecourging mate or something.

Hannah B. said...

I love you, Sarah. Thank you for this post. It is very encouraging.