I was having one of those sad forlorn days. Wallering around in sloppy clothes, hair un styled. face in natural state, no make-up, no eyebrows. I was sinking lower and slower and more forlorn by the minute when guilt got me and I decided to make a treat. Self talk won the deal with the encouraging meme “be productive Susann.” Baking is my cardio you know and I got last years can of pumpkin out, dusted the can and used a recipe I had not used before. Pumpkin muffins sounded so inviting and comforting and so I whipped them up, put them in the oven and set the timer. My mood was lifted a little and yet I was still a slacker and decided not do the dishes. My phone rang and notified me it was a call from a friend who is caregiving an ill husband who just got out of the hospital. She was totally overwhelmed with the entire ordeal. Her voice cried out to my heart and I said I’ll be there in a half an hour. As the timer ticked by, I managed an emergency hair-do and threw a goodie bag together for her. As soon as I could get the muffins on the cooling racks, out the door I flew.
When I arrived, I was able to get her to prioritize her needs and then chaos began. Health care helpers, oxygen company, friends dropping in and the phone continually chiming. My friend distraught and new as a caregiver, was in the eye of a storm. I took charge and tried to make a path through the kitchen. They had been at the hospital for three weeks and the refrigerator was in great need of a purge. Packages and mail were in disarray on the counter and dead bouquets weeping with me. It actually took me around three hours to get things in semblance of order. I eventually encouraged her go to the shower and take a break from it all. She was feeling so much better when she came back out to the living room.
Together we prayed with her husband and she hugged me as I left. She thanked me for coming and said all she needed was a bossy woman. I laughed heartily as I proudly recalled the fact that my reputation had preceded me.
Like most times when we look back, some reality checks leap out at us. Not considering myself and my appearance as a priority was huge. No one cared how I looked and I was able to focus on her situation as priority #1. This definitely got my mind on serving others and freed me up as far as vanity goes. I have made a list of important points for future times and hope they help.
- If the patient has a digestive situation and you take a dish, make a list of ingredients, as well as heating instructions.
- Do not EVER take flowers that are not in a vase, you can add water after you get there but do not foist a hand full of florals at the family, requiring them to figure out what to do with them.
- Limit your visit to a few minutes and offer a service that could help later, like going to store etc. then be sure they have your number.
- Do not wear an extreme scent that could be toxic to a person with nausea.
- Do not take baskets of produce from your garden.
My thought this week is this: Luke 4:38
Peter’s Mother-In-Law was healed so she helped—–She was saved so she served.