2/1/15
I am involved in a nursing home ministry with our church. As part of this ministry, a small group of us meet at a local convalescent home once a month on an afternoon. The clients we interact with are mostly elderly, infirm and confined to wheelchairs. We conduct a short Bible Lesson, lead a praise and worship session, and then spend time passing out handshakes, hugs, and a few gentle words with each patient. About 16 seniors are wheeled in to the meeting room by kindly and patient attendants. Some are more verbal, alert, and responsive than others, but they all love the Lord and have sweet tender spirits.
I often wonder as I gaze into their eyes what experiences these precious souls have been through in their lives. Many are difficult to understand as they mumble, speak so softly, and or have foreign accents. One thing is for certain. As they are nearing the end of their long life journey, they have, as the old hymn says, “decided to follow Jesus”. And what better more important decision could they have chosen to make. When all is said and done, a covenant with Christ is the be all and end all of everything. This world and all it has to offer is nothing in comparison to knowing Jesus as Saviour and looking forward to spending eternity with Him and with our loved ones.
Last Sunday as we were singing praises to the Lord, the presence of the Holy Spirit filled the room. The atmosphere was sweet and the seniors gratefully drank in the warmth of the Master's love. I looked about at the feeble weakened frames, many of them helplessly dependent on the supervision and protection of their caretakers. I thought, what a contrast between the love in this place and the strife, division, and hostility exhibited in the much of the world outside. Many people are materially wealthy, intellectually distinguished, and politically powerful, yet spiritually bankrupt. How fortunate our little band of elders, to be treasured jewels in the palm of Jesus' hand.
Matthew 16:26
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
With all this in mind, let's seek after the Father and his Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy. Let's keep a firm commitment to Christ so that our lives will be spent laboring for that which is genuine, pure, and everlasting.
Written by Cathy Friberg
No comments:
Post a Comment