I have been reviewing my brother’s last days in my mind. I don’t know why? I wish I could just go on with my life, but NO my mind stays fixed on all of it. I guess my heart has a hard time letting go.
My brother and I did not have a lot in common. He was 16 years older than me and he was a tough military guy and I was his little sister. But we were family, and if any of us needed anything, we were always there for each other.
After some time in assisted living, it became hard for my brother to walk anymore. His hand shook too much for him to cut his own fingernails. One day while visiting him, I made up my mind to take on the responsibility of helping him with his grooming needs. I’m not sure my younger self would have done so, but who knows? I would soak his feet while cutting his hair, then give him a manicure and pedicure. Then I would put lotion on his back and arms and feet. The funny thing is, in filling those basic human needs for several months, the Lord bonded a deeper love in me for my brother, and I would say by my brother’s gratitude and speech, it gave him a deeper love for me as well.
In my brother’s disability I learned an important life lesson; all people have one thing in common, humanity. All humans, no matter their politics or beliefs, life status or experience etc., have basic needs. All people no matter the color of their skin, age, or other things, need certain things to survive and thrive. By helping others in need in the spirit of loving service, we open doors and break down walls around their heart to allow a new dimension of God’s abundant love to enter in.
It so amazes me how the Lord takes a person’s simple act of obedience to serve others and turns it into a blessing for both parties. I did not do any of it for selfish reasons, but I received more than money could ever buy.
I have found that often the hard things, the uncomfortable things, change us the most. Just possibly they may have the biggest impact on humanity if God is in us guiding and working through us to go and do.
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
I better understand this act of Jesus now and I know His word is true, “You will be blessed if you do them.”
John 13:12-17 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
“Give your hands to serve, and your hearts to love.” – Mother Teresa
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for opportunities to serve you through serving others. Thank you for the many professions that serve humanity. How could we live without them. Lord, fill those people with your spirit of love, tenderness and compassion. May your blessings fall upon them like rain. Lord, help us through the hard things in life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God Bless,
Sally
What a beautiful act of love and service! By being an encourager to people we are truly showing an example of God’s love. The Holy Spirit will move in their lives and open them to the love of Jesus! You and your brother shared such a loving bond! Praise the Lord for your wonderful heart!!!
I love this, Sally! I can truly relate to the caregiving of others on how much it blesses us as it does the one you are caring for. There is a bond there that God creates for both of us. Hugs!