I read an article the other day in the news, of an elderly woman who had died. In the article it talked all about what this elderly lady had accomplished in her 80 some years. I like that her daughter mentioned to the reporter "that elderly lady was my MOM! " Life is very personal or at least it should be. When our lives get busy, I think we tend to forget that person in the car in front of us going unbelievably slow...is someone's father or grandfather, and maybe they are just learning how to drive. Or when we are waiting a long time in the check out lane because the check-out lady is taking forever...we need to remember that is someone's mother or sister, who may have just had a situation in her life that forced her back into the work field at her age, or she is just new at her job. Yes, taking time to see people for who they are or try to understand why they do what they do... that takes time and patience.
Once again for our DATE NIGHT, Jeff and I watched a movie ( we didn't get out much when I had pneumonia ). The movie that we watched was a lot about this same line of thinking. It was about a kid who nobody really cared much about and nobody really wanted to get involved with. Then along came a family, who personally took it upon themselves to get to know all about this kid and he eventually became family to them. It was not easy, the family and the boy came from 2 different sides of life, but still they took took the time and effort to get to know him and no judge him on face value only. Because of their patience, unconditional love and help, this boy's life was transformed for the better. He had a very rough start in life and yet because someone personally cared, his life was never the same!
I love the story in the book of John, chapter 5 verses 1-9. In Jerusalem there by the sheep market was a pool which was called (in the Hebrew language) Bethesda. This pool (like a hot springs or mineral springs) was known for it's healing powers at certain times. When the water was moving( troubled ), then the first person who got in, was to be made whole from their disease. Great multitudes of people with various problems waited by the pool, to be the first one in. The story goes on to tell about a invalid man who lived in Jerusalem and had suffered with his disease for 38 years. Jesus saw him at the pool and knowing he had been in that condition for a long time said unto him "Wilt thou be made whole?" The impotent man answered him, 'Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me' Jesus saith to him 'Rise, take up thy bed, and walk'. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked.
I guess the obvious moral of the story is that with the Savior's help there were many miracles that happened on a daily basis, but I also thought about what this man must have felt like. Everyone was pushing and walking over or ahead of him to help themselves. How many times do we rush by in life and not see, someone who is in need of help. That takes time and patience. That takes really looking outside of ourselves. It was a wonderful story and once again the Savior's example was a perfect lesson for us all ...to slow down and personally get involved with other people's lives. It not only will bless them, but our lives will be better too. Service does that to you!
Thanks to all of you who have personally taken the time out of your life to help me and my family. We are truly grateful for your Christ-like example!
"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light."
Albert Schweitzer
"Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have." ~ Jim Rohn
“Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid.” ~Albert Schweitzer
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