It's Valentine's Day, my first since Becoming Mrs. Kaiser. Danny surprised me with Flowers, and when we opened our Cards we discovered they were Identical. (From the Dollar Store. We're both Frugal.) I never expected to be someone's Valentine again, and I'm overjoyed. Being treasured once more is Bliss at it's best. But I remember well the lonely Years, The widow years, The getting through the day years, And so I pray for peace and Encouragement for my single Friends, for a sense of God's Presence. I ache with those who are simply Trying to make the best of a Hard day. |
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My friend had a smile on her face.
But when I asked about the serious Health issue she is facing, she Began to cry. I held her tightly for awhile as The tears rolled down her face. I tried my best to encourage her. And then I haltingly prayed, not Knowing exactly what to say. I felt inept. But I've learned that words aren't Always necessary to express Care and concern. Sometimes a strong hug is Enough. Hopefully, I conveyed both. I noticed the boy in
His wheelchair at Walmart. The chair was equipped with a Tube that helped him to breathe. My heart was touched. Should I simply pass by? Should I ignore him and His two caretakers? I chose instead to greet them. One was his mom. "His name is Nick," she told me. I walked in front of the boy, Looked into his contorted face And said, "You're precious." I looked into his mother's face and Said, "All children are precious." "Yes," she agreed, and thanked me For my comments. I never know how to respond to Folks who have physical and Emotional challenges. But on this day, the right thing was To encourage a mom and her Precious son.
The man was acting strangely.
He seemed to be talking to Himself as he shopped at the Grocery store. Later, as I waited in line, he Pushed his cart up behind me and Asked, "How are you today?" "I'm good. How about you?" I was surprised when he began to Sob. "My wife died two years ago, and I miss her so much." I tried to console him as I placed my Groceries onto the conveyor belt. He continued to lament, interspersing His conversation with off color words. The cashier averted her eyes, not Knowing what to make of us. I lagged behind so I could talk to the Gentleman as we left the store. The widower had been married 38 Years and recently moved to the Area to be near his kids. "I just can't get over losing her." I listened and shared bits of my Own story of loss. I gave him one of my tracts, and as I left I told him I would pray for him. I couldn't relate to the man's Vocabulary or to his unusual Mannerisms. But I could identify with his Broken heart. I could share his grief. It was a ladies night out.
The men served the food to Their wives and guests as they Sat at the long festive tables. I was one of the guests and knew None of the other gals sitting Nearby. I tried to make small talk with the Woman next to me, but she was Busy conversing with another Lady and ignored me. I ate quietly, praying that the Meeting would go well. A gentleman stopped by and Greeted me, "I'm glad you could Be our speaker tonight." Suddenly, the chatty lady really Looked at me. "Oh, I didn't know you were the Speaker," she said apologetically. I didn't bemoan the fact that I had Been overlooked. I scrolled back my brain wondering When I had been guilty of the same. I drove my neighbor to a Kroger
Store to get her vaccine. Since it was in a different area of town, And I don't have a GPS, I stopped to Ask for directions. We found it. While I waited for my friend, I Noticed a lady sitting in a chair By the pharmacy. Her face seemed sad behind her mask. "Are you facing any challenges this Morning," I asked. "Yes, I can't seem to get an Appointment for my vaccine." I sympathized and said, "I'll pray for you." "Thanks, and while you're at it, pray for My stomach. The doctors can't find my Problem." I wrote down her name and handed Her Jack's tract: "Growing Old Isn't for Sissies." "Wow! That's the truth," she said. I wondered if I should offer her a Bracelet. I did. And after I tied it on her wrist and shared The gospel with the colored beads, I Asked her," Have you heard this story Before?" "No. I haven't. And I must tell you I'm Jewish. But I'll take all the prayers I can get." "Oh! Jesus was a Jew," I said. "Yes, I know." "I love your people. God isn't finished with you." The woman pulled out a tissue and Wiped tears from her eyes. "Thank you," she said. "You have really Made my day." By now, my friend was finished and we Headed home. In 3 weeks we'll be returning to the Same store. But I won't need to ask for directions. And with a watchful eye, and a sensitive Spirit, I will be prepared to wait. I try to prepare myself before I
Walk into a room that is Filled with folks, whether they are Familiar faces or new to me. I remind myself that my job is To be a good listener, To notice those who may feel Left out, or need a bit of Encouragement. It's why I posted these words on my Refrigerator: Remember to Bless, Not Impress. |
Dorothy Kalb Hsu Seitzinger
Writing poetry has helped me process and express my sorrows and joys, my concerns and blessings. "Life is hard, but God is good!" Archives
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