last Sunday, i went to two visit two of my friends. both of them are in rehabilitation centers. i actually, i saw three friends. the third friend is recovering at home. i was so pumped up to visit all three of them. i wanted to talk to them, see how they were doing, pray for them, give them a world famous hug.
on Monday, i had told my advisory group. 'if you know anyone who is sick, at home or in a hospital, take time to visit them. read to them. talk to them. sing there favorite song. pray with them. pray for them. i told them it is so important.' Eleven to 15 years old are impressionable. if you help them understand the ministry of visiting the sick and ministering to those in need, then they can encourage others to do likewise. i think i will actually ask them this week if they heeded my advise. people heal quicker when you visit them. a part of them which they almost allow to become silence gets quickened.
at both facilities, when i got off and on the elevator, i spoke to each person i encountered in the hallway and rooms. i said hello with my eyes, my smile, my lips, and with a handshake or a touch. when you are sick, it is lonely. i remember i had the opportunity to be a caretaker for 4 months. it was a lonely season in my life. i felt tired, yet i was motivated by God's love, my love for the person, my love for God, and the person's love for me.
Matthew 7:12 states Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that wo/men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Heavenly Father, I pray Lord that more people would take time to minister to those who are in the process of being healed and recovered. Lord, please forgive for each time that we made an excuse not to visit an individual. Lord, please forgive for each time when we thought a phone call, a card, a text, a email, or a letter was enough. Lord, let this mind be in us which was also in Christ Jesus. God, as You increase, let us decrease. God, perfect those things which concern me, in Jesus' name, amen.
take time to visit the sick. think about how you would feel, if you were in their place.
