“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in
everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”(1
Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NKJV)
During one of our phone
conversations, Bill stopped, “Can you wait a minute? One of the volunteers is
leaving.”
“Sure,” I replied.
He continued talking. “ You do well
on your test.” Then he said a beautiful prayer for the young student volunteer.
“The young man is in college and
concerned about a test. I pray for each volunteer who comes,” he told me. “We
also read Scripture.”
When he required extra care and
could no longer live alone after idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis attacked his
lungs and destroyed his independence, Bill entered the Hospice Serenity House
as a patient.
Of course, he remembered the years
when he volunteered with Young Life, taught Sunday School and ministered to
hundreds of teenagers. That life was over.
We met at church many years ago. But
over time, life took us in different directions. After Alan was diagnosed with idiopathic
pulmonary fibrosis, I learned that Bill had it too.
Though we lived in different states,
we reconnected and share concerns and celebrations. He continues to encourage
me as his disease progresses. He has shared my book with friends and arranged
for his church to buy several copies.
Instead of giving up when he entered
hospice, Bill started a new ministry from his room. No longer can he get out
but he ministers to those who come to help him.
One volunteer called me after he
told her about my book of grief. Her similar journey helped us form a bond. She
said he encouraged her to read her Bible. She marveled at his responsiveness
and care for the volunteers.
Even with his terminal illness and little
energy, Bill continues to bless people with his prayers and compassion. I am
thankful for his friendship.
Dear Lord, help us to use each
opportunity to be a blessing to those around us. Amen
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