A patient whom I visited recently told me they had lost their faith. They asked me to read the Bible to them. Not having a Bible, I asked if I could quote them Scripture. They agreed. I decided to follow up on this patient the following week or so. I reminded them of what they had told me regarding losing their faith. They said it was better, than added “much better”. Their countenance looked peaceful. I gave them a Guide Post and had prayer. Such an encouraging outcome.
Ash Wednesday is a celebration used for many people. I had the opportunity to share about the meaning of Ash Wednesday at the Retirement Center on Wednesday. We had a wonderful service and meaningful time of worship in song and them I preached message on “Light”. The Lord helped me!
Since it was Ash Wednesday, patients were given the opportunity to participate in this tradition. I was greeted by one patient when I walked into their room with, “I got my ashes”. I asked the patient what that meant to them. They stopped for a moment in thought and said, I don’t know” They then added, “it’s is a tradition”. I was thinking they should be told what the meaning of the ashes represented. I decided that I was not going to get involved with this. After another pause they said, “it is where I came from or either where I am, and where I am going”. I asked them if they gave anything up for Lent. They said they used to drink and smote cigarettes. They gave up cigarettes and hardly ever drank anymore – maybe once every other month. They said they did not see that as a sacrifice to give up now. I asked the patient what they liked really well. The patient said, “Salad”. I told them how much I loved chocolate and that I was giving it up for Lent. He asked me what was the best piece – the first or the fifth. I told him it depended on what the first piece was – if it was pink. He said they used to squeeze the pieces. A staff member came in bringing a large tray with three different salads on it. I guess the patient was sincere in saying they liked salad. The patient went on to tell me that I would actually enjoy chocolate if I ate only one piece a day. They are probably right. As I was leaving, I said, “God bless you”. The patient said they were already blessed; they had three sons.
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