July 30
Scripture: 2 Thes 2:16-17
Source author: Sandy Heuckroth
July 30
Life Lessons in Grace May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you. —2 Thessalonians 2:16–17
I heard the screaming far down the hallway. Hysterical and high-pitched, it was a tongue I didn’t recognize. With loud cries of pain, an aide yelled over the din, “Someone get Noreen! Now!” I poked my head out to see Noreen bolt from the nurses’ station to the baths. Pushing the aides aside, she stroked the thinning hair of a woman strapped into a wheelchair, and spoke softly in German. The flailing gradually subsided until the woman doubled over, shaking. As Noreen reassured her in broken German, the woman rubbed the tattoo on her arm and sobbed. “No showers,” Noreen barked at the aides. “Only sponge baths in her room.” Startled, I imagined the horrors of World War II this woman relived in her memories. As Noreen wheeled her away, the woman rocked and hummed, joined by Noreen’s soft voice. “Jesus loves me, this I know . . .” Noreen demonstrated a love and grace rarely seen in that nursing home.
Love understands the baggage, fears, and tears another person may carry inside. — Sandy Heuckroth —