John 13:34 (NIV)
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another.
The story is told by a nursing aid in a home for the
elderly. She says one never seems to be amazed at anything. This cool September
morning the minister’s wife and her daughter came to the home to visit the
residents. The residents always looked forward to the minister’s wife visit but
this was special, she was bringing her daughter.
Sitting in a corner of the living area was an elderly
lady named Grace. Grace was so unhappy and it seemed that nothing could comfort
her. Her families had brought her here over a year ago and have visited only
once. Many families did that but some of the residents could deal with it while
Grace could not.
Grace’s chin was on her chest and her white hair fell
forward covering her face where silent tears rolled unto pale cheeks.
The young girl looked over at her and walked over to the
darkened corner. She kneeled down and looked into moist blue eyes. A wide smile
crossed her face as she said, “Hello, I am Beth, what is your name?”
Grace lifted her head and looked at the beautiful young
girl who stood in front of her. She wiped the moisture from her cheek and
whispered. “I am Grace, my dear; it is so nice to meet you.” A soft smile
appeared on her face as she looked into the excited green eyes of the young
lady standing before her.
Beth leaned over and gave Grace a big hug.
We all stood there with mouths wide open. Beth hugged
Grace, and Grace hugged her back. In the whole year of her being in the home no
one could ever remember her smiling let alone give a hug. Wow! The aids were
amazed and even tears fell freely. That one act of kindness from a young girl
who was only 8, made a big difference in another’s life.
Beth visited with her mother often and always went
straight to Grace for her hug. They would visit and smile and laugh, they
became such wonderful friends.
Over four years passed and Beth was always there for her
visit with Grace. The one day she came Grace was not in her corner. She skipped
down to her room thinking she was resting. The room was dark and empty.
The head nurse seen her and walked slowly towards her.
“Beth, I so wanted to catch you before you came and I did
call but you had already left. Honey, Grace passed away late last night”
Beth looked at the nurse and said, “Oh my, Grace told me
that she would soon be with her Lord. She has gone home to be with Jesus. She
was so looking forward to that. Told me she would miss me but for me not to
worry for she would be so very happy.”
A tear ran down Beth’s cheek, as she added, “I shall so
miss her. I did so love her.”
The nurse watched Beth as she walked away. She wondered
if that young lady had any idea of just how many lives she had touched with one
hug.
Beth walked slowly; she was filled with so many emotions.
Yes, she would so miss her Grace but she was so happy that Grace was home with
Jesus.
Grace’s family made the arrangements for the funeral but
Beth was not told where or when. This broke her heart. Still every week she
would go to the nursing home and chat and hug the beautiful people there.
Years later, Beth was in charge of a large nursing home
in the state of Ohio. She loved her work and she insisted that anyone working
there would treat the residents with respect and dignity. Beth always told
those who asked that she is working in the nursing home because of a wonderful
precious lady named Grace. Grace had shown her how important all people are.
Will you take the time today to share a hug. Who knows
what a difference it can make on the life of someone today.
Dear Lord, Help us to take the time to show your love
today. Help us reach out and give a hug to one who needs it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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