beWARM

Sipping that cup of coffee or tea – or that bowl of chicken soup – is so much more special when another person makes it and brings it to you.

This “room service” of sorts might be received while you are recovering from an illness or an operation.  It could also be an extra indulgence while on vacation, or a special surprise lovingly prepared by a child, spouse, or other significant person in your life to honor you on  a special occasion.

Or…it could simply be  a loving, unexpected gesture – a random expression of kindness.

Last year at this time Joey and I were in the Dominican Republic, working at the teaching hospital for Medical Ministry International. Our home away from home was the guest house on the hospital grounds. In a space that could accommodate up to 18 people, we had the luxury of the only room that had an”ensuite” bathroom.  That made up for having to sleep in bunk beds!

Caring to the needs of those residing in the guest house was Migdalia,  a lovely, cheerful woman whose love of the Lord lit her from within.  Every small task was performed with a smile.  During our six week stay, Migdalia prepared all of our meals, did our laundry, and kept everything clean and tidy.

We marveled at her joy in accomplishing seemingly mundane  and repetitive tasks, and her pleasure at our appreciation of her culinary skills. We practiced our conversational Spanish with her, and enjoyed her sense of humor when we had our nightly dinner together.

On our first morning back in Santa Fe, as I was making coffee, I kiddingly asked, “Where’s Migdalia?”  We were duly spoiled, not just by her service, but by the example of her servant’s heart.

For the past few days I have had my friend Sue in my prayers.  She is among the people I know who have had occasion to be attended to by many people during the past year – and not in the most extravagant way. A friend for over 36 years, Sue and I had our first babies within a month of each other, just before our husbands graduated from medical school. Our lives put miles between us – but we kept in touch through the years, chronicling the milestones of our children, and occasionally vacationing together.

Then, the  unexpected happened.  Divorce – and cancer – have invaded  her life during this past year.  Sue has been courageous through all of this, staying strong while maintaining a hopeful outlook, as well as keeping  her inimitable sense of  humor (which was difficult  at times, I would imagine).

Room service for Sue has an altogether different meaning.

As I continue to ponder what her days must be like, I am brought to startling awareness that my personal challenges pale by comparison.  And I further realize that the weight of our trials at hand is perceived – and endured –  uniquely by each of us.

For some, difficulties can be paralyzing; it takes everything in one’s power to get out of bed and face the day. Feelings of hopelessness and futility prevail.   Hardship equates with carrying the weight of the world.

In contrast, we can be amazed by the fortitude and optimism that others possess;  these are the people who, in the depths of suffering, still have it within to offer us an encouraging word.  I marvel at their focus on others when they have every reason to be self-absorbed.

Like Sue, I know others who valiantly shoulder gargantuan loads – with grace.  Margaret, a member of our church, had surgery a year ago for a brain tumor. During her recovery, she and her husband Don have shared their personal brand of hope and cheer to everyone they know. Buoyed by their deep faith, they move forward with their lives accompanied by a spirit of unflagging confidence in God’s plan.

There are those who have made it to  the other side – that of healing. My friend Jean just had a wonderful report, after having successful cancer treatment years ago.  Her heart carries joy and lightness; she has been able to unload those heavy worries that she carried for a time.

How does this all relate? We all have our own set of  “stones” that accompany us on our journey.  Some carry loads that can fit easily into a small backpack, while for others, the sheer mass of their burdens fills up a footlocker. 

Along comes God, who grabs one handle of our bag and walks alongside us….or is willing to carry our load Himself for a while.  When we stop and  catch our breath, He’ll provide the refreshment we need.

We can’t forget that He is at the ready – at our beck and call.

Ring Him up if necessary…

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. ~Matthew 11:30