“God looks down from heaven on the human race . . . Everyone has turned aside; they have all become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one.”
Excerpt from Psalm 53
Reflection by Jeff Woodard
UCC Stillspeaking Devotional
My buddy Cal is in his mid-70s, has Parkinson’s disease and lives in a comfortable retirement community. I visit him twice a week, encouraging him to get out and move as he is able. Some days are better than others. I try to discourage TV viewing. Cal frets enough without the droning blare of the Great Box of Doom.
In our travels about the sprawling complex, we are often blessed to cross paths with lovely Lisa, the activities director. Radiating a smile bigger than a snowdrift, compassion to melt 3-inch ice, Lisa is everywhere; setting up for the center’s monthly “birthday bash;” up to her elbows in ribbon, buttons and construction paper at craft hour; driving the van to the store or the community center. Lisa turns aside no one
Meanwhile, Garry heads up a large-group discussion on current events. He fields worry-tinged inquiries about wars and the recession. He also lifts up medical breakthrough, shares stories of heroism and tells a (clean) joke or two.
At the front desk, Anna pleasantly fields calls, arranges shuttle service and assuages Mr. Kincaid’s concern about the mailman’s tardiness. Down in the physical therapy room, Nicole bends down, looks deeply into Mrs. Hammond’s eyes, and smilingly encourages her to lift her left leg just a little higher. “I know you can do it,” Nicole says. Mrs. Hammond, a hint of a smile creasing her face, knows she can, too.
Prayer
O Lord, thank you for the divine guidance that enables us to see the good work that you do through Lisa, Garry, Anna and Nicole – and to remind us that, despite the way it might appear too often, you are doing it through countless others as well. Amen.