Living in a retirement community as I do enables me to experience the latter years with my peers who are doing the same thing. My mom used to say, “Growing old ain’t for sissies” which I thought at the time was just another of her funny sayings. How wrong I was! Being old (and not getting any younger!) is something you cannot explain. It’s another one of those things you have to experience in order to “get it”.
Surrounded on all sides by people with issues of various kinds is educational, enlightening and at times, depressing. One friend has battled cancer bravely for over five years and continues the fight. Another has a husband in a care center with Alzheimer’s who – after 60+ years of marriage – no longer recognizes her. Still another has digestive and heart issues as she cares for her disabled husband. The list goes on. Lots to pray about, for sure.
One friend suffered a major stroke about six months ago and remains bed-ridden and on a feeding tube, all the while mentally sharp as a tack. When I visit, we discuss all manner of topics and usually read a devotion and before leaving, I pray with and for her. The other day while praying, she cut in and mentioned a time several months before her stroke when she had asked God to use her in others’ lives and now as “I lay here in diapers and drooling, You use me to be salt and light” to those who are caregivers and how grateful she is for the opportunity and for God’s constant presence. I was so stunned and humbled by her words that tears threatened to flow and I could barely speak. With a cracking voice, I finished the prayer and kissed her on the forehead upon leaving.
As I walked to my car and drove off, I was struck by the difference in our circumstances and what I had just learned from her example. I wondered, could I ever be that strong??? We must never forget that God can continue to use us, no matter what our situation.
Humbled…and blessed? Indeed.
“…clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble…” (1 Peter 5:5)
“Yet, He gives grace to the afflicted (humbled).” (Proverbs 3:34)
What a wonderful and hopeful concept…a great reminder!! I’m humbled & blessed!
Oh, Teri, what an example your friend is. Sure puts things in perspective. A beautiful message as we enter the Christmas season. It is all about Christ, not us. Humbled and blessed by your message. ❤
Humbled and blessed by those who are salt and light. Thank you, God.
Amen!