Facing heavenly mansions. Caring for others
“ In my Father’s house are many mansions, I hope yours is next to mine!” (author unknown) Jude 23
Facing Death
I sit in the sunshine on an unusually hot May afternoon, trying to thaw from the frigid temperatures of the hospital ICU and regain my composure. I find myself asking the question “What is this for Lord?”
My bff of more than fifty years (high school) lies upstairs in a hospital bed struggling to come back to life. Three days ago she was “circling the drain,” as we nurses sometimes quip to each other after caring for someone who is on the brink of dying. Her first words to me are, “I don’t want to die……” They are barely audible. Her next words to her husband are, “I can’t leave you.” Tears trickle down her cheeks, her lip quivers, and her shoulders shake.
Caring for the Living
Her reason for living is to care for others.
I sit here emotionally spent. My life of late has been one challenge after another. My question is finding its answer. I too need a reason to keep living: Someone or something to care for—a purpose.
Caring like Jesus
Jesus’ life purpose was to give life to others.
This is what makes us most like Christ. The giving of ourselves in service to others. “To rescue the perishing, care for the dying,” as written by Fannie Crosby so long ago.
My role as a nurse is superseded by my role as friend. Nursing duties are done automatically: Honed by years of nursing. Friendship is a whole other dimension requiring total investment of oneself. I want to be more like Jesus my Savior every day. This is the lesson He gives me today. I am unable to rescue the perishing, but He will and I can introduce Him to the dying. Thankfully, mercifully I know this precious friend of mine needs no introduction. She knows Him well! So I will be thankful for His healing (rescue), hold her hand, and make sure her family’s needs are met. His peace I will share, as I find it sufficient, especially on days like today! Time to head back into the icebox and keep my promise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nyWS5l3kb8
Forever Friends By Sandi Patty
Father,
Thank you for rescuing the perishing and caring for the dying and those who love them! Only You can love them more and I am forever grateful!
You are a good, good Father!
Further reading:
https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2019/01/15/god-place-you/
