Thursday, December 24, 2009

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

"You've just got to learn to say no." I'm not sure over the years how many times I've heard that admonition from my husband. His other favorite saying is, "you're just too generous." He reminds me I can't save the world. I know that. That's why the Lord sends them to me one at a time. Most of the time I'm not aware of "helping" someone. I have elderly friends who need someone to pick up a prescription. Or something from the grocery store. They may need a ride to and from the doctor. Last week I organized a group of people to appear in court to testify as character witnesses for a friend. I never know how God is going to use me. In spite of my husband's warnings, I continue to listen to God. I am led by the "still small voice" that directs me across the room. To speak to the person sitting by herself. That voice that tells me to hug the gentleman or lady sitting in the wheel chair in the hallway at the nursing home. To help the short lady at the grocery store reach something from the next shelf up. I'm not that much taller than she. We visited two nursing homes yesterday to sing Christmas carols. Our singing brought joy to the faces of many people who don't have any visitors all year long. Yesterday was the first time my husband has gone caroling. At the first nursing home we all stayed in a common room. The staff brought the residents to us. At the second nursing home we walked up and down the halls singing. Several times as we walked past a patients room, the ones who weren't able to be up or in a wheel chair, I went inside their room to wish them a Merry Christmas. At one point my husband was no longer beside me. There were so many of us singing that I wasn't surprised when I couldn't find him. In just a moment he appeared waving his arm. "Come quick, I want you to meet someone." He drug me into the room and introduced me to the lady, lying in bed. She shared with me that she is 90 years old. My husband smiled and took her hand, looking up at me. "She doesn't have any family. So I told her we would come to visit her as often as we can." Wait a minute. You need to learn to say no. You can't help everyone. You're too generous. I smiled. Has the Holy Spirit finally spoken to his kind heart too? I reached for her other hand. "We'll be back. Merry Christmas." Listen to your heart. Y'all have a Merry Christmas.

4 comments:

Carol J. Garvin said...

By listening to and following God's promptings you're personifying what God says about giving -- that "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” (James 1:17): and "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matt. 25:40)

The people who are receiving your love are very blessed!

I hope you're receiving your own share of heavenly blessings this Christmas Day and getting a bit of well earned rest, too!

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

We had a fabulous Christmas. We came home yesterday afternoon and both took naps---the entire day. We tried to watch a movie, but fell asleep. I guess we were both more tired than we realized. And yes, I feel completely blessed! Every day is a gift from our Lord. He wraps His arms around me and keeps me "loved".
Love you Carol----have a great day

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Katt -

Congratulations on the award you won at Karen's blog. After reading this post, I can see why you deserve it so much. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Susan, you are much too kind.
Hugs
Katt