“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1)
Recently a lady I knew died after a battle with cancer. Even though I had grown up with her kids and spent much time together with her involved in various musical ministries with our church, I have not seen her much at all the last 20 years. I wasn’t even aware that she had been ill; only hearing when someone passed on the news she had died.
Years ago, there was a day when I was stuck at home, as I was recuperating from an accident, whilst my dad was at work and my mum hospitalized from the same accident. Life had been hectic with visits to the hospital to see Mum and trying to manage whatever else needed to be done. I couldn’t drive, so was only able to see Mum if someone else called to take me and mostly I was supposed to be resting myself anyway.
We were blessed with help from our church friends, but there were many times when I was alone with my pain. This particular day for some reason, I had suddenly felt overwhelmed by what was going on – probably still a reaction to the shock of what I’d been through. I started to weep uncontrollably.
The phone rang and this lady was there, saying she had been wondering how I was getting on. My Mum, because her injuries seemed so much more noticeable and acute, had been the center of much concern and attention. She wondered if I was feeling left out in some way and had wanted to just assure me that she was thinking of me and praying for me.
I don’t think I actually told her how I felt at the time, but by the time we finished the call, I felt better. I still think of that as an example of God’s great provision for us – knowing what we need at a particular time.
Over the years, I’ve thought about telling her how much her call meant that day, but I never did get around to it. As I heard of her death, I was sad that I had never made the effort to thank her, for what may have seemed such a small thing, but met my need that day, in a special way.
Prayer: God, sometimes I feel like I spend all my effort just trying to survive the day. I know that means I can easily lose sight of the things I feel prompted to do – things like saying thanks. I don’t want to miss those opportunities, so help me to share with others how they have blessed my life and what a difference, even the small things can make.
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful for the difference God makes in her life as she lives with chronic pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, travel and photography. You can contact her in the Sunroom.
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Fiona, thank you for sharing how we must remember to tell people THANK YOU or even just say, “I am here… I care.” I have a friend in Canada who I met when I was 15 and we still keep in touch. Today I received a special note from her because she’d recently seen my video and she decided to write a real note, not even just an email. It meant the world to me. Yesterday I hit the Michael’s store and got some cute little notecards from their $1 pile to just hold myself a bit more accountable to writing people a note when I think of them and letting them know they make a difference in my life. Lisa
Fiona, I echo what Lisa shared. It is very easy to send emails these days and they mean a lot. I do not negate how important they are esp. to those of us who are mostly homebound – some completely homebound.
Yet there is nothing like getting a handwritten note to hold in our hands and even better to have the phone ring and to hear the voice of a friend on the other end wanting to share their care.
Your expereince that you mention here obviously was so needed at that time of crisis in your life. I can understand your never forgetting it.
I, too want to be more attentive to the Spirit’s nudging and follow through when someone comes to mind. Be it email, real mail or phone – reaching out could be life changing to all.
Love,
Lynn