Compassion is not for Wimps

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Until my knee heals, I am not allowed to walk for long distances. So a recent Saturday evening trip to Kroger included riding around in one of their carts, with the handy basket. The first thing I did in the cart was back up instead of drive forward (it figures). Once I got my bearings straight, I zipped around in this handy dandy mobile. As I cruised the aisles, I noticed that most people were either annoyed that I was in the way or just didn’t see me. I wondered if I was wearing an invisibility cloak. Many shoppers dashed around me, a few cut me off in the aisle and only one person asked if I needed help. I didn’t expect to be waited on, but I thought the general population might be respectful. Then I wondered, do I pay attention to the people around me when I’m shopping or do I just plow through and try to finish? Am I watching to see if someone needs my help, or am I too busy looking for a bargain?

As a child of God, I should be watching out for other people.  The Bible reminds me that God is a God of compassion and that Jesus showed compassion to the folks who surrounded him. The least I can do is give grace and consideration to the people I see each day. This week I plan to see with eyes of kindness and show a caring spirit whether I am chair bound or not. Praise God for the love and compassion he pours on me.

I Will Endure!

Romans 15:4-6
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Right now I am praying that God builds in me the endurance to practice my physical therapy everyday so that my knee will gain complete mobility. Through arthroscopic surgery, the orthopedic surgeon invaded my knee and found severe arthritis and a floating body (now that’s an interesting term). With his skill and instruments he cleaned out the aggravating culprits that caused me an uncomfortable amount of pain. Now that I am back to my senses and off the pain meds, I need to endure and exercise. If you know me at all you know I’m not really into exercise. I like to walk and that’s about it. But I know God is helping me in this and that I have many prayers of encouragement.


Just as I endure physical therapy, I pray God pours the ability over me to endure life’s circumstances. My day to day life brings frustration and anxiety but also brings joy and wonder. I ask for God’s encouragement and pray he fills me with his love and that I keep my eyes on him. Praise God he gives us his word to teach and encourage.  

I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

At 2:00 am Friday morning I told my husband what a wonderful man he is because he woke up to give me my pain medication, after my knee surgery.  I would hope that I don’t just wait until I’m on pain meds to appreciate him or anyone else in my life. Thank you to the many friends and family who have helped me out at this difficult time. The surgery went well and I will start therapy next week. If you want to hear some funny stories check with Tim and Sara (the meds and anesthesia took over).

I Remember You

Philippians 1:3-4
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…

My co-worker and I traveled to Ohio University for a Library Staff Conference. Route 32 wound through the greened hills and shot us into Athens in no time. We registered and found our rooms and then joined other library folks for a time to meet and greet. The whole time I mingled with people or sat in quiet observation something nagged at me. For several years Tim and I made trips to Athens to see two of our daughters who attended and graduated from there. That was it, I missed the girls. They should be on campus for me to visit and hug. Of course they had left Ohio U years before and moved on with life. Never the less, I missed them.

I love how Paul, in his letters, reminded the recipients that he remembered them, thanked God for them and prayed for them. Often the Holy Spirit brings people to mind, whether in a particular setting or just in my thoughts. When the Spirit brings that person’s name to me, I stop what I am doing and pray for them. Many times that person has acknowledged that the day I prayed was a day they especially needed prayers. The Spirit knows what we need and works among us as Christians to further God’s kingdom.  Listen to the Spirit’s prompting and pray.