“Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances." ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Grumpy didn’t come close to
describing Colleen’s mood. Being a CAN (Certified
Nursing Assistant) was hard enough, but especially difficult today knowing her
family would soon gather around the table for their traditional holiday feast
without her. CNAs have many of the same responsibilities as nurses, but with
less recognition and much lower pay. So
yes, grumpiness was her pet dragon. It
sure would help if things around here were less depressing.
In the beds here
lie everyone's future unless they’re lucky enough to pass at home. Most are well
past their useful years. The happy and healthy years are but distant memories. A
woman, her eyes once sparkled at a beautiful Christmas tree as she eyed gaily
wrapped gifts. Now when alone, she lets her face sag with gravity, reserving
her strength to smile for infrequent visitors.
A man whose feet
have known the streets of Rome and the sidewalks of New York. He’d loved
without boundaries and donated money when he should have kept it for himself. That
person is still in there, locked in a body that won't quit, tethered to a heart
that insists on beating despite little chance of recovery. Where’s the dignity
in that, she wondered.
A new patient
arrived in room 1207, so Colleen stopped in to make her acquaintance. The nonagenarian
grinned as she entered. Her smile twinkled as if greeting a beloved daughter.
“Sadie Reimer,” she
said enthusiastically. “I’m pleased to meet you and anxious to get started!”
Collen gazed down
at the woman’s missing lower limbs, both amputated from diabetes. The stumps
had healed and she was at the care center anxious to walk again. Colleen helped
her stand up. Sadie took only a few
steps before flopping back down on the bed.
Her smile returned
more radiant than before. “Imagine me at ninety learning to walk again. Now
that’s something you don’t see every day I’ll bet. I’m so blessed!”
Colleen couldn’t
believe it! Sadie found humor in her situation! Instead of immersing herself in
self-pity, Sadie focused on what she could still do, approaching her life day
as the loving do, with open eyes, an eager resolve, and a deep sense of
gratitude.
We should all
observe Thanksgiving with a grateful heart for food in a world where many walk
in hunger; for faith in a world where many walk in fear; for friends in a world
where many walk alone. We give you thanks, O Lord for our many gifts!
Lord, how can we ever thank You enough? You
endured more pain, shame, sorrow, and grief than we can possibly fathom. Help
us remember why You gave Your life. Because of love. Because of mercy. Because
we desperately need them both. Amen
