Glimpses of God
Featured Writer, Barb Smith
In late 2006 a call for help was issued during a Sunday morning announcement. Caring Ministries needed additional helpers to take altar flowers to St. Lucas members who were hospital-bound.
Isn’t it said that “the Lord works in mysterious ways”? And this time it proved to be true for me. You see the request came at a time when I had recently decided to become more involved at church. I was looking to contribute, in some manner, on a regular basis to St. Lucas. I just hadn’t determined what manner it would be. I felt this endeavor could be a good fit for me and my schedule. So I decided to give it a try and shortly there after I was assigned to one Sunday each month.
I must admit there has been an instance or two since starting, when I’ve wondered “what have I gotten myself into”? You see I’ve never wanted to mislead anyone into thinking I’m more than a church volunteer delivering flowers. Though most really do know why I’m there, they seem genuinely grateful for the time I am able to spend with them while working for this mission.
I’ve met people who have been admitted in-patient for chronic illness. One member recently ended up in the hospital, very unexpectedly, just days away from her family vacation. Some individuals are senior citizens who no longer have family or remaining friends that live nearby. I remember talking with a sweet, friendly lady who reminded me of my own mother -- small in frame, but one with a great ability to converse. Many thought she was on her last legs. But she rallied through and is now back in her own home. I’ll never forget the lovely gentleman who, though nearing the end of his time with us, still had enough twinkle in his eyes and spirit in his soul to leave a pad of paper on his bed tray which read “If you’ve come to visit and I’m asleep, wake me up!” Needless to say he didn’t want to miss anyone or anything in his remaining weeks. And then there is the husband who has been lovingly tending to his wife for a very long time now. Yet, he wouldn’t have it any other way. All one needs to do is see the way he looks at her, to understand that he is her biggest fan, and would never, ever think about leaving her side.
From personal experience, I can attest that days in the hospital can be long and tedious, not to mention down right boring. And every person I’ve met has been appreciative to have a visitor -- someone other than their droning TV or snoring room-mate. The flowers I deliver are merely a symbol for them that they have not been forgotten.
But truth be told, performing these simple acts has actually been more beneficial for me than for those I serve. It is powerful and rewarding to see the spirit of the Lord in each person I’ve met. It’s a relationship that may have spanned a lifetime or one that has been recently renewed or newly developed.
Regardless, of where they are in their spiritual path, I feel honored and humbled to share such personal times with these amazing people. It helps to remind me of one of the reasons we have been placed on this earth – to serve others. And for that I am truly thankful.