One of our adult children had a tricky surgery last Thursday.  On the morning of the surgery, while our son and his wife were anxiously waiting for him to be taken into the OR, I opened my phone texts to read the Bible verses for the day.  You see, each morning, dear husband’s brother sends a group text with selected verses from a chapter of Psalms or Proverbs and closes it with a simple, heartfelt prayer.   He chooses verses from one chapter each day.  When he finishes all the chapters of Psalms, he starts Proverbs.   That morning’s verses were full of comforting promises from Psalm 91.  It soothed my heart. Then I realized that I shouldn’t keep this to myself.  I forwarded it to our son’s wife who read it to our son.  Immediately after, he was wheeled out for surgery.  It struck me anew how kind God is to orchestrate those promises being sent to me when our family really needed them.  And it always boggles my mind that God uses humans to partner with him in his work.  Without my brother-in-law who has been faithful for years to send out Scriptures, I wouldn’t have had those verses top of mind.  Because of his effort, I had the joy of sending those verses on.  Many were praying and a caring friend called to check on us while our son was in surgery.  All were part of God’s plan to help us through a hard time.

We were so relieved when we heard a good report after the surgery.  But the following day complications set in and all of us were again hurting with our son as he waited ten hours for doctors to assess how to deal with his situation.  Yet again, one of the verses of that day was exactly the antidote for our worry.  On top of the comforting promise, the sky itself was testifying to God’s help and hope. When I looked out our window, the setting sun was sending bright rays through dark clouds as if to remind us that God shines into our lives even when storm clouds gather.  So I had not only a verse but also an illustrative photo to send to our son while he waited.  Yet again, the Lord meets us in our need.  Now in spite of severe pain, fever, and unforeseen complications our son is improving and we are giving thanks to our merciful God.

Three days after his surgery was my birthday.  Kind family and friends called, sent cards and texts, and made me feel loved.  Since my birthday fell on a Sunday friends at our little church wished me well and gave me cards and gifts.  It filled me up – so I could give.  That afternoon after church we visited our son with soup and fresh fruit tart in hand.  It was hard to see him weak and in pain, but we were glad to be able to spend time with him and his wife who takes such good care of him.  That evening the small city where two of our daughters live was traumatized by a shooter in a Safeway grocery store.  (although we didn’t know till the next morning.)  Early Monday morning one of our daughters called to apologize for not calling on my birthday.  She had been comforting a close friend who was distraught after being in a nearby store when the shooter began shooting into the store where she was before he entered the Safeway and killed two people and himself.  Because we lived in that area for ten years and still have two daughters and their families the hurt comes close to home.  One of our friends had a grown son and four grandchildren in the Safeway when the shooter entered and shot the first person.  The smart dad grabbed three of his kids and got them out a side exit and to safety then reentered the store and found his older child and got him out.  We are close friends with another couple in that city.  After being out of touch for longer than I want to admit, I texted them a photo of a plant they had given us years ago to show them it was blooming and to tell them that we’re enjoying it.  The next morning they let us know that their son-in-law who is a police officer was heavily involved in the investigation of the shooting.  He worked all night after the shooting and all the following day arriving home at 10:00 pm, twenty-seven hours after leaving home for the crime scene.  Entering his home exhausted and heartsick, he immediately broke into tears.  “I’ll never be the same,” he told his wife.  I couldn’t have known that my simple text reminded them that we were thinking of them and opened the door for them to unload a little in the middle of supporting their daughter and son-in-law.  So when we have the urge to do something kind for someone, do it!  We may never know what that person is or will be going through and how much they need a little encouragement.

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.  Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”  Galatians 6:9-10

Isn’t it gratifying when someone calls, visits,  texts, or sends/brings something they know you’ll like?  Just knowing that someone thinks about you makes you feel __________ .  You fill in the blank-  loved, seen, cared for, valued, liked.  There’s no replacement for relationships that nurture.  But it takes putting aside your own things each day for the good of others.  It even takes time management!  Ugh, not my strong suit!  If I let inconsequential things take up my day, and am rushed to finally get to the things that really need to be done, how will I have time for that nurturing phone call or encouraging text?  (Mothers of young children, don’t let this add guilt!  You already spend most of your time caring for others!)

What can I do today for someone (family first) to remind them that they’re loved?  Little things count!  Who can I text to follow up on how things are going?  Who needs a phone call?  Or my undivided attention for an in-person conversation?  What thoughtful gift will show they’re loved?  Gifts don’t have to be expensive.  They only have to express that you thought of them.  Bonus if the receiver will use/enjoy it showing that you know their likes.  Sometimes an appropriate gift is something you enjoy yourself and you buy another for them.  Sometimes it’s loaning them a book you read and liked. Sometimes it’s food you cooked and share with them. 

“. . . encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11

Another way we can encourage and build others up is by remembering to thank them for what they’ve done for us or what they mean to us.  I was looking at a young friend’s Facebook page tonight.  She repeatedly took opportunities like anniversaries, birthdays, or holidays to thank family members for what they have done for her.  She is good at expressing her feelings for them and the importance they have in her life.  We can all get better at this skill.  Think of times when someone took the time to tell you how they appreciate what you did for them.  Wow!  It sure is a boost, isn’t it?

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness”    Galatians 5:22