Friday’s Free Refill: Perhaps Not
Not a cat lover myself, but perhaps you are, if so ... cheers!
Every need is not your call.
My mom regularly visits the nursing home where my step-dad lived the last three and half years of his life.
Talking with her the other day fresh from her volunteer time at the nursing home she was all smiles. Her cup full.
I just love being there, had some quality visits today, so glad I went,” she told me.
I listened in awe.
Then came my confession: I couldn’t do it mom. I get sad around old people, forgetting that she is 79.
I have a good friend who loves being around the elderly, I just don’t do well. I don’t know if it comes from having both my father and step-father die in nursing homes. Not sure if it is the smell, the helplessness I feel, or just that for me it so, so sad.
After my confession, came my mother’s wisdom: Every need is not your call.”
Huh?
She said the words again for me slowly.
Oh.
Oh. Oh, yes. That is so very true. I don’t have to do it all, I don’t have to say yes to everything. My gifts are in other areas.
Honey, I remember when you use to visit that one difficult lady from church every month. I didn’t do well with her, but you volunteered to bring her communion for a number of years.
Well, I like difficult people.
We laughed. We laughed hard.
Different challenges fill us or empty us – you don’t have to say yes to something if it drains you – doesn’t call you, for there is no life in that.