Today we visited my grandmother in her nursing home.
It’s always hard for me because I struggle wondering why God requires this sweet woman to live a day longer. Her quality of life is dive-bombing. She is going blind. Nanny has irreversible heart disease. She is penny-less because my uncle drained every bit of her money without anyone knowing it.
So when I visit her, I usually leave in tears for a woman who really just wants to go “home” to heaven to be with Jesus. But she might tell you that even more… she longs to be with her husband again.
Today, however, I left with tears of joy. Why? Because I witnessed an amazing act of love and devotion.
There is a man, a husband, who arrives for every meal… every day just to eat with his wife. While he isn’t a resident, he refuses to miss a meal with his sweetheart.
How that makes my heart leap! What an example of true, lasting, unfailing love. When I asked him about it, he said not dining with his wife wasn’t even an option.
- Whether he felt good or bad
- Whether he was tired or not
- Whether he was busy or not
Todd shows up to share each meal with his ailing wife. He cuts her ham up. He warms her plate in the microwave when her food cools. He talks with her about things of the past. He shows her how important she is to him.
Do you think she even realizes the extra-ordinary treatment she receives? Maybe… this is all she knows.
I want to love like this.
- I want for my husband to know how my world is better because of him
- I want my kids to know that there is nothing they can do to make me stop loving them
- I want my friends to know I am always there to stand in the gap
- I want my mom and dad to know they are deeply loved and respected
- I want my sister to know that she holds tremendous value to me
- I want my niece and nephews to feel extra special when I am around
Friends… it is so important to show your devotion to those you love. We must be intentional in letting others know how special they are and how much they are loved.
You know why?
Because when we make that extra effort to show others what they mean to us, to show our devotion… it heals them. I guarantee when someone shows me my value and worth in their eyes, it helps to erase those old tapes. I wonder, does it heal you up a little bit, too?
No matter all the things we struggle to overcome, no matter all the hurt we received from others, no matter all the difficulties we face, and no matter all the obstacles we have to fight against… all of these things are overshadowed in that moment when we feel – loved.
I bet the woman in the nursing home was doted on by her husband all her married life. To her, this was just normal. I’m so thankful God put them in my path because I needed a powerful reminder.
2011 is going to be a very intentional year for me. I’m going to let others know how much I love them. I will make sure to dote when appropriate. Hug when needed. Encourage at every turn. Speak when prompted.
Will you make the effort?
p.s. I’m glad to be back. I really missed you! Thanks to all my guest bloggers… they were wonderful and I know you enjoyed them. Happy New Year, friends!
©2011 careyscotttalks.com
Conni says
Great one Carey!!!! GREAT! I’m IN!
ML says
Thanks for giving us all a jump start on the new year!
sherry says
Excellent beginning!
Denise says
Thanks for sharing that story, I needed to hear it as much as you needed to witness that love. Live with intention I will.