(Written February 17, 2017)
I recently got the call from Europe with the news I didn't want to hear:
My mother was not expected to live. This news was bad enough in and of
itself, but to make matters worse, I live in Canada, and my place of
work gave me some trouble about this.
My teacher friends
supported me all the way, providing encouragement every day. My students
even wrote a sweet letter addressed to my mom; one which I will keep
forever.
My neighbors also came to our rescue. One offered to
pick up our mail and take care of any snow that might fall on our
driveway. My other neighbor offered to feed our cat and water the
plants. He hugged me at least three times to make me aware that he
cared.
The same was true with the volunteers from our ministry.
Beryl told me she would take care of my ministry email, and Candy also
stood by me, encouraging me every day. Many of our volunteers were quite
encouraging as well.
Even the airline was extremely supportive,
even though they knew nothing about the reason for our flight. Just one
tiny example of their kindness had to do with the meals. We had booked
so last-minute that we hadn't thought to order vegetarian meals. When we
refused their kind offers of beef and fish, they went scrounging through
the entire aircraft until they found the last two vegetarian meals
onboard.
My youngest son in Alberta wanted to come with us to see
his grandmother, but the circumstances would not permit him to go. My
oldest son, who is doing his master's degree in Chemical Engineering,
will join us in Europe as soon as his classes are completed.
I am
now with my mother in her room. She cannot speak, but she smiles
whenever she can, and even here the nurses provide us with
encouragement. They feed us and give us soda and water. They come in my
mom's room whenever they can, providing encouragment to us and to my mom
as well. Two nurses in particular stand out in their caring manner. One
"adopted" my mother years ago and even though she has now been assigned
to a different floor, she makes an effort during every shift to come by
and see her "mom", bringing with her a world of joy. The other nurse who
merits special mention just spent 30 minutes overtime with us, helping
us pick out just the right burial clothes for my mogher. Love is evident
wherever we are.
Imagine if we always cared for others in this
manner. This world would be paradise. Reality, though, is that most
among us are under pressure: We have work responsibilities; there are
unforeseen circumstances; we are tired; our to-do lists never end... We
miss multiple opportunities to make a difference in this life.
Is
it possible that the evil one orchestrates us like puppets, keeping us
constantly busy, so that we cannot be a blessing to others?
How
different Jesus was compared to all of us!
"So let's not allow
ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest
a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every
time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting
with the people closest to us in the community of faith." (Galatians
6:9-10 MSG)
With what I have experienced these past few weeks, I
can vouch that there is hope for humanity. Thanks to all of you who are
encouragers.
"I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch
with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds
confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery."
(Colossians 2:2 MSG)
By the way, our burdens become quite lighter
when we care for others...
In His love,
Rob Chaffart
Written on Feb 17, 2017
There is Hope
Today's Bible Verse:
"I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything
there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest,
focused on Christ, God's great mystery." (Colossians 2:2 MSG)
There is Hope
Announcement:
"Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do." (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ASV)
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