A Jesus Touch

     Last night after dinner I wheeled Marvin down to see the goldfish and bird in the lobby. It was abuzz with activity, so we didn't stay long. As we were turning to go, Ron came up the hall.
     Ron pastored the Lutheran Church here when I was pastoring the Church of God. We spent much time in ministers' meetings. He knew my husband from his role as "minister's wife" - that's what Marvin called himself.
     Ron is now the Hospice Chaplain in our town. He walked up to Marvin, who was drooling with his after-dinner drool. Ron placed one hand gently on Marvin's shoulder, and took Marvin's stiff, crooked hand in his other hand. He looked deeply into Marvin's face and eyes and said, "Marvin, how are you?" "Fine," was Marvin's answer.
     Ron said, "I think of you two often." Then he gave me a hug, and left to his duties.
     As Marvin laid down on his love seat, I said, "It was good to see Ron, wasn't it? He's the Hospice Chaplain here." Marvin quickly said, "That's what I need."
     Those few moments were just that--- very few. But I am still feeling the warmth of Ron's reflection of Jesus to both of us. That's what it felt like...it could have been the Master who walked around the corner...in fact, it was Christ living through Ron.
     Be Jesus to somebody today, please.

A NEW BOOK!

    I'm supposed to be getting rid of books, so I bought another one recently. I am wishing I could afford to purchase copies for all  of my WORD FRIENDS.
    This volume is called, "The Pocket Muse; ideas and inspirations for writing," by Monica Wood. It is a beautiful book, filled with captivating photos, quotes, stories, and ideas and inspirations for writing.
     I tried one of the exercises today. The topic was: "Write about someone who is pretending to be someone or something that he is not." It didn't take me long to think of someone, and the words just poured out onto the computer. (Don't worry; it's not any of you who read my blog or Facebook!)
     I do love words, and I'm trying to be diligent to write more every day. There are so many things to write about!
     What story do you need to tell?
    

Living in the In-Between

     New Year's Day, 2014---I am reveling in having my daughter visit from Indonesia. Although her time here is short, it has been good. We have enjoyed each other's company so much. She is gentle, loving, and supportive. When she is here, I let down and feel myself relaxing a bit more from my responsibilities for my husband's care. We play word games, laugh at stupid stuff, joke with each other, share our grief and tears, and allow each other to be who we are.
     We talk about the end of life, of her daddy's life, my life, and even hers. We know our wishes and desires. It doesn't mean we aren't enjoying the time we have together. It means we are living in the in-between.
     We believe this earthly journey is not all there is. We believe that one day we will not have to say "goodbye" again. We believe that Jesus is the One who holds us all together, and that one day we will be free from physical limitations, disease, and pain. We will be with the One who gave His life to make it all possible.
     We have much for which to be thankful, and much for which to pray in 2014. We will do both. Many today are wishing folks happiness and peace in 2014. I agree with those wishes. I also wish for all of us: the opportunity to grow and mature in our faith in the coming year...through whatever comes to us...and to know Christ better and grow closer to Him each passing day.
     I am reminded of my former pastor and friend, Bud, who argued with God, plead with God, reminded God of His promises, and surrendered to the will of God in his life. That's what I want in 2014...a relationship with God like that. Then whatever life brings to us this year, we will face with grace, mercy, and an abiding trust in His plans.
     So much for my New Year's meanderings! Blessings