A Heart to Love

The day we moved into our home with our large family, we had no idea that the houses on both sides of us would be such a silent blessing to our lives.

You see, on one side of us there is a very kind lady with a beautiful dog. She always speaks to us and entertains conversation with our children who love to yell out any door or window  they can find, "I like your dog"! On the other side is an elderly couple. Now, I don't know much about them but just from my observation I can see that they are about in their 70's or 80's and have been together for some time. They both have medical issues I'm sure but the wife seems to be impacted physically a little more than the husband's. The husband seems to move about pretty well and despite my husband's offers to assist him with certain tasks,on any given day you will catch the husband taking the trash out or wiping snow off his car.

Each time I see my neighbors I feel blessed. Not just because one of them is a nice lady with a dog and the other is an elderly couple,but because I get to watch a women sacrifice consistently to help take care of her parents. I am so grateful that God allowed me to observe this family interaction. On my right sits a house with an amazing women who I watch tend to her elderly parents every single day. And she does it with JOY!  

One day as I pulled up into my house I saw the father helping the mother out the car. I wanted to offer to help, but something stopped me. In all but a few seconds, I had the chance to experience something that just about brought tears to my eyes. The daughter walks up and says "Hi Mom", in a joyful yet peaceful tone,and begins to help her mother out the car. For the first time since I moved into my home, I heard her mother speak. When she spoke, she said her daughter's name and you could hear the joy and excitement in her weak feeble voice. It was as if she had just seen her best friend. What a beautiful moment to watch.

From one week to the next I get to watch beautiful moments like this and although I don't know much about my neighbor, I admire her in so many ways. I am always encouraged and reminded of Gods love for the elderly when I see how she cares for her parents. I am truly thankful to be a witness to someone with such a Heart to Love.

Ladies, if you are or someone you know is taking care of an elderly family member, don't lose heart. Your work isn't in vein. Your reward may not be in this lifetime. Your reward may not be for you but for the people who are blessed at how gracefully you do what God has called you to do. You just might be that daily light to someone that you don't even know is watching.

Have a Blessed weekend Ladies and Don't forget to get your tickets to TMS Luncheon.