Are You Being Served?

Yesterday I met an Air Force Colonel. He was a retired fighter pilot and I was intrigued to say the least! With chill bumps on my arms I listened intently as he told me about giving each of his children and then also his grandchildren their first airplane flight. It was a touching story from a man who had been married to the love of his life for 67 years. As he shared his stories with me I learned about his heart for his family, and more than I bargained for about myself.

Answering a phone call had taken me away from my chosen spot in the waiting room where I had set up shop for the day. Perfectly content to spend the time concentrating on what I had planned to accomplish for the span of time I was there, I had chosen a remote spot that wasn't likely to draw much traffic. Having only one chair in my spot and two additional adjacent, I was pretty sure I'd be left to myself.

Upon re-entry, I spotted the man lounging in a chair next to my stuff where I was sure his legs and mine would not enjoy their own personal space. I glanced at the row of empty chairs on the other side of the room and surely a frown appeared in my brow. (maybe I should consider botox...)

Cautiously I contorted myself and sat down. Not one to back down from much, I was determined to reclaim my space. I attempted to draw my legs as close to myself as possible. That's not really an easy task, but I managed not to bump his sensible, velcro sneakers. Then, I picked up my crochet and began to stitch away once more and he continued to be engrossed in his tablet with a reclining posture, leg crossed and the bottom of his right shoe in my face. Or so it seemed.

Silence fell between us while folks entered and exited.

Finally the man, who I learned was named Billy, said something to me. I answered and looked up to meet the eyes of a very kind face. Naturally, I noticed his Veteran hat and thanked him for his service. He responded something off the wall, obviously misunderstanding me. Replying with a smile, (yes, I do that from time to time) I said, "I was referring to your cap, did you serve in the Air Force?'' He reached up as if reminding him what cap he was wearing and answered, "Oh, yes! I'm sorry I misunderstood you." Nodding, "Thank you for your service."

Conversation was sparked by a simple gesture, that I wished had happened earlier. He left soon after, as his sister appeared from the back; equally precious and kind. On this day, Billy was taking time to drive his sister to chemo and into my world.

Billy's wife was at home, likely waiting patiently for his return. She's the impactful part of the storytime I had with this incredible man, that I almost missed out on.

The Colonel shared with me that his bride of 67 years had gotten to where she could not get around well on her own and he spent most of his time caring for her. As he described her demeanor and regret for the turn around of their roles, it was obvious that he was saddened by it himself. He wasn't sad about the fact that she needed his care; he was saddened by her emotions and mentioned that she was often depressed about her lack of mobility and that she had to rely on him for so much.

How did he felt about all this? What did this virile man think about his time now? What has he given up from his daily routine? How has his recreation in earned retirement taken a turn? I needed to know! Facing that same fate eats at me every day...I can imagine how his wife feels.

Praying I never forget what he said next, with his face lighting up and eyes dancing, "I love caring for her. That's what you do when you love someone." my breath caught in my throat.

In Acts chapter 20: Paul is preparing to leave. He gives a heartfelt goodbye to the Ephesians as he recites how far he's come and now faces an unknown fate. All the while, going forward without hesitation because of his love for the Lord. Ending with the familiar verse: 35, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Here I post the entire verse to emphasize that Jesus said it. Paul repeated and stressed what Jesus said and it doesn't mean material or monetary giving.

Giving of ourselves: our time, our love, care, prayers, consideration, is important. Doing so is service. When we care for each other, we show Christ to others. In return, God blesses us. Joy, peace, happiness, satisfaction, friendship, grace...the list goes on. You can't out give God! Serving Him is what we're meant to do. We should WANT to serve Him. Not just for the blessings, but because of them. Because it blesses HIM.

While I witness the turn of life's often ugly and harsh realities, I want to remember that we're all able to serve Him in different ways. He gifts us with that ability, we just have to seek His will and let Him lead us. And, I'll need to prayerfully seek His grace as I relinquish to the service of others in their quest to serve Him as well. Thankfully I am loved and I'll not take that for granted.