“Labor cheerfully! Work as though it’s the Lord you’re serving, not just an earthly master.” - - Ephesians 6:7
Stories that made her laugh to avoid crying, forced Joanne to admit that her mother, who just six weeks ago was the picture of independence, now required 24-hour care. Mae’s husband died recently, making the move to a nursing home inevitable. Today was moving day.
At 92, Mae’s face read like a roadmap of time – a memory in every wrinkle. She was ready early, her hair fashionably coifed and makeup applied perfectly. Despite her blindness, Mae remained handsome - a rare adjective for a lady but its meaning reflected a harmony of dignity, gracefulness and pride – the perfect description of this elegant woman.
Joanne on the other hand, was highly anxious. People often regard nursing homes as their last stop before dying. It’s got nothing to do with the quality of care, but truthfully they both knew Mae would never return to her "normal" life after today - a road they’d hoped to forever avoid.
As they walked up the front steps and through the sliding doors, warm air smelling of bleach and body odor confronted them. After registering with a polite but frosty attendant, they waited patiently in the lobby for several hours. Mae smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker toward the elevator, Joanne described the surroundings.
“I love it," Mae interrupted with the excitement of an eight-year-old having just received a new puppy.
"Mom - you haven't even seen your room yet,” cautioned her daughter.
"No need!" she replied. "Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged, dear child - it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it!”
“Every morning, I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with body parts that no longer work, or get up and be thankful for the ones that do. Life’s a gift, and I’ve tried never to waste a moment of it!"
She continued, "Old age is like a bank account, you withdraw from what you've put in. Never stop depositing happiness in your memory bank . . . just for times like these."
Years later, Mae joined the church eternal. She knelt at the Lord’s throne and heard “Well done my good and faithful servant.’ She wasn’t congratulated for her many awards, the earthly treasures she’d accumulated, or her longevity. She was welcomed to the streets of gold for living simply, giving more and expecting less.
Father, help us do everything without complaining so that we shine like the sun. People are drawn to brightness and warmth – so help our interactions be full of grace, compassion, and encouragement to positively affect those around us. Amen.
