When the telephone rang at 5:30 a.m. on a cold, dark December day, my physician-husband answered. From his questions and the concern in Jim’s voice, I learned that his eighty-five-year-old widowed mother had fallen in her apartment, breaking her left wrist. Jim reassured our beloved “Grandma,” then dressed quickly and took her to the hospital Emergency Room.
I felt compassion, then wondered…How could I possibly manage my busy schedule and take care of her, too? My empty nest was alive with activity. During the Christmas season I was preparing special music for playing the pipe organ, working full time at my husband’s office to cover an employee’s vacation, and struggling to meet some writing deadlines. At the same time, fragrant evergreens and twinkling lights enticed me with the season’s festivities.
At first, I resented washing Grandma’s clothes, cooking, shopping, and assisting with her personal needs. Then something happened. One day at the grocery store as I tiptoed to reach a jar on the top shelf, an inner voice whispered, “You are not doing this for Grandma, you are doing it for ME.”
I had never thought of that. Then I said it aloud to myself. Yes, Lord, I am shopping for You.
When I stopped focusing on myself and broke through a season of selfishness, caring for Grandma became a unique opportunity to serve God. My inner attitude completely changed. The Lord gave me extra strength and energy and multiplied my efficiency.
As a result, Grandma and I prayed together, chatted, and laughed, as I worked my way through the daunting list of things to do. Soon the burden became a cherished blessing. I felt sorry that Grandma had broken her wrist, but the Lord used that time to open my eyes to look beyond myself. By helping Grandma, I was working for the Lord, serving Him. We both made it through December without losing the joy of celebrating our Savior’s birth.
Do you resent caring for an elderly relative? I learned that if you serve her as you would the Lord, your heart will be filled with compassion. An anonymous quote seems appropriate.
“Let me not neglect any kindness, for I shall not pass this way again.”