The Greatest of These

When I befriended a 95-year-old woman in our community, I hoped to add joy to her days. I had much to learn. In my frequent visits with her during the three years before her death, I learned that I had overestimated what I could bring to her and underestimated what she had to offer me.

Early on, I felt a deep connection between us, even though we were different in age, race, economic status and educational background. The greatest lesson I learned was that none of our differences prevented meaningful friendship.

Each time she welcomed me into her home, she manoeuvred her power-operated wheelchair close enough to hold my hands. I loved spending time with her and learning from her deep spiritual insight.

‘The Lord has brought us together,’ she said. ‘The Holy Spirit has come upon us.’

Now, as I drive by her empty house, I hear her voice saying again, ‘We must read the word, and we must live the word.’ I know that she has gone on to be with Christ. I can best honour our friendship by sharing the gifts she so graciously bestowed on me.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for people who bring us closer to you. Give us the desire to be faithful to your word. Amen