Often times, throughout my life, I have been down and out. I didn’t know how I would provide for my family, and the fear and anxiety that comes from financial troubles can be a bit overwhelming, to say the least.
However, the many times that we were penniless, God was there holding us as always, and we never went without food, clothes, shelter… Since we were children of God, we always had hope. The same hope that it took to carry us through the toughest times, knowing that God would always be there for us.
Tonight, Lauren and I had the privilege of meeting and spending time with Jake and Jean at a nearby nursing home. The same nursing home that Lauren has a big heart for and loves to visit often as a Christian clown.
First, we spent about 30 minutes with Jake (age 90), and found out his life’s story. He loved to fish, hunt with hunting dogs, eat hunted squirrel, quail, possum… He worked at a local steel mill, started out at $2 per hour and made nice money the years before retirement, because he was promoted to “boss man”.
Jake has outlived his siblings, and has only one son living in
When I probed Jake for any prayer requests, he told me that he was a Christian since age 7, and that his only prayer request was for a longer life here on earth. I asked him what age he would like to live. I joked about him living to age 140, and he told me that he wouldn’t want to live that long, but that he would love to live, as long as his aches and pains don’t get the best of him. He told me that he currently had no aches and pains. Praise God!!!
Lauren and I then ventured down the hall to a room that only had one occupant, Jean. She was very kind, welcomed our new friendship, and had the warmest smile. We also talked about a half hour, found out that she too was a believer in Jesus, and we were privileged in receiving her blessed life’s story.
She suffered a stroke, just days ago, and had just returned from the hospital today. She told me about her tough year of health problems, which she is questioning, because she said that she has always tried to do what is right in God’s eyes. I reassured her that her next life with Jesus would be refreshing, that she would receive a new body without aches and pains…
When we talked about prayer requests, she didn’t mention the tough year of health problems, or the lonely 8 years she’s lived in the nursing home, after her loss of her best friend – her husband. Instead, she wanted me to pray for her only son.
Her son lives down the street from the nursing home, but hasn’t visited in years. Jean told me that since he was married, that the relationship between her and her son has been strained.
Jean told me that just after her son was married, that her new daughter-in-law asked Jean to give ‘the farm’ to their family alone. Jean instructed her new daughter-in-law that it was her husband’s request for the farm to be given to her two granddaughters. Her only son hasn’t had much to do with Jean since.
Towards the end of our visit with Jean, Jean asked Lauren if she appreciated the visits at the nursing home. Lauren (age 7) didn’t know what Jean was asking, and I spoke for Lauren. I said that one day Lauren would appreciate the visits, when she is old enough to understand them.
Jean told me that she wished her son had my heart. But at the time, my heart was aching for her relationship with her son (or lack thereof), because I could hear the hurt in her heart. I told her that I was just fortunate to have learned some valuable lessons from God. I learned that when I was only interested in my own missions and not God's, my life lacked value and happiness.
It is true, that by putting others first, we ourselves are so much happier.
I learned long ago that everyone needs a spark of hope to hold on to, and that everyone needs to know that someone cares.
I promised Jean and Jake that we would visit again soon (God willing), and that I would pray for them.
We didn’t meet any lost souls, but I do believe that we were sent by God to cheer up His children, give some encouraging words of hope, and show Jean and Jake that others still cared (especially God).
Our visit was a true blessing from God for all involved. Even Lauren, as she was able to throw many snow balls at her dad, before and after the visit in the nursing home parking lot, then again when we arrived home.
One day, Lauren will remember and realize the importance of her dad’s mission and heart for others, just as I remember the many times my dad reading out of God’s Holy Word, the many hours he spent as the church bus driver/outreach, and the many times we knelt beside his bed for prayer.
On the drive back home, Lauren said (just out of the blue) “there will always be Christians”. After a moment of silence, I replied, “yes, God will always have Christians around to show the hurting that He cares, and to give His hope to those that need it the most”.
Thank you God for the kind Christians, here on this earth, that truly care for others, and thank you God, most of all, for always giving us – Your HOPE.
Especially, the blessed Hope of Your Son Jesus Christ!
God Bless!
In His Hands,
Love, Glen
P.S. Kimmy, I still remember the many times you and I visited the nursing homes. Thank you for taking your stinking little brother along with you. I still remember Smiley, and anticipate our meeting with her again – when we get to Heaven. Love, Glenny Poo