|
A Box of Memories
by Nancy Quinn Her shaking hands pulled the small box off her closet shelf. She slowly sat on the edge of her bed and shared her life story, thrilled that she had a new friend to listen to her memories. Volunteering at a nursing home, I was paired with a woman whose family was very far away. My assignment? I was to simply be there and spend time with her. Surprising her with her favorite lunch, I brought a grilled cheese sandwich from a nearby restaurant and she nibbled at the crisp brown bread as she handed me each photo with a story to match. Faded photographs of a younger version of the woman on the bed made a line across the bed covers. Expensive clothes, international travel; it was obvious she and her husband had been very wealthy and enjoyed a high quality of life. "Oh, we never wanted children. We were too busy." Was her response to my question about her family. In sharing my faith with her, she said she was too old for that now; God wouldn't want her. I drove home that day, saddened that her life became reduced to a box of vague and distant memories and determined to help make a difference in her final days. That little box in her closet made me wonder what would someday be in my box of memories from my life. My prayer is that my box of memories will be filled with pictures of those I loved and mementos of things I did that made a difference in the world by touching others with the love of Christ. We all have the privilege of living one life here on earth, and we have a choice to be selfish or selfless - what will be in your box of memories? I Corinthians 13:1 "If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." Galations 6:8 "The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." May God bless these words as I strive to encourage others in their walk with Christ. Please contact me if you would like to request a specific lesson that Lucy Mouse can teach your children or if you would like a coloring page to be sent to match the story! Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |