I welcome this day with gusto. Now gusto is a word I like to use. I see some challenges ahead of me a today, but I am counting on my team to make short work of them. My day is blessed to start with a cup of Door County Swedish Lingonberry Tart Coffee and a prayer for loved ones.
I believe that there could be no lonelier feeling than to think that you are facing life's trials alone. I have a friend who sits with those who have no one to be with them when they are dying. I have done that myself a couple of times, it's not my calling. I asked him how he does it, especially when he doesn't really know the person?
His answer amazed me. He told me that he tries to find out whatever he can about the person and then talks about that subject. Most of all he extends a hand out to the person and just holds their hand. In some instances, if he can, he reads Scripture out loud while holding on to their hand. He does this at least once a month or more.
He said "No one should ever stand alone". This friend of mine is a widower and has some extra time on his hands. He is an avid golfer and still works a forty hour week. So for him to stay all night at a hospice center or a hospital is a true gift to the receiver.
I have a lot of heroes that I look up to and could write volumes about all of them. But this one has asked me not to share His name, because of his humble attitude. But he is one of my heroes.
I then asked Him why he does it. "I do it because it might be at a time when they feel forgotten and I can take that away. I have been blessed with sixty years by God, I can spare a few hours a month to make the last day for someone better. God knows I love Him, and the ministry He gave to me, just takes time, love and patience. I am a good hand holder"!
Matthew 25:31-40 New International Version (NIV)
The Sheep and the Goats
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
I raise my cup of coffee to this hero today!
Marty
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