Some
mornings it’s just hard to roll out of bed. We all know the feeling, but why do
we linger? We have a new day, a new opportunity just waiting for us, but we
procrastinate. When visiting with my grandmother in a nursing home years ago, I
sensed regret from many of the residents. My grandmother felt none of this.
She was suffering from dementia. Physically she was fine. In her
mind she was a live-in employee of the facility. Each morning the nurse would
come to her room first. She would see to Grandma’s needs, then say, “Are you
ready, Mrs. Edge?” They would walk room to room to see to patient needs. Yes,
Grandma was probably in the nurse’s way sometimes, but she didn’t hesitate to
get out of bed. She felt needed. She had purpose. And, in truth, she was
needed. The other patients seemed to enjoy the banter that Grandma provided as
the nurse checked their vitals. Perhaps even this was useful to the nurse.
Grandma kept the patients engaged in conversation, so the nurse could get
things done that might have been halted if the patient was complaining or just
wanted to keep the nurse there so that she had someone to talk with. Grandma
provided those moments of socializing. She found humor in most things even
after her mind turned on her. This was a blessing to all, and Grandma did
provide minor services like filling water glasses
Perhaps
there had been days when some had lain in bed unnecessarily, not appreciating
the fact that their days, their opportunities, were numbered. At this point,
many no longer had a choice. They could no longer get up. Their bodies had
failed them. They had little to look forward to as their bodies atrophied.
When
awakening each morning, it may be difficult to throw back the covers and step
out into the relative cold, but remember, your days are numbered. Praise God
that you can do this small act on your own, and step into the day’s
opportunities with anticipation and thanksgiving. “This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm
118:24
No comments:
Post a Comment