[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]S[/dropcap2]ometimes we find ourselves where we don’t want to be. The unexpected happens. The color goes out of life. Our hearts ache. Our hope fades.
Such must have been the case for Margaret. I lead a Bible Study and see several hospice patients at the facility where she is a resident. Margaret is usually maneuvering her wheelchair up and down the back hallway, head down, mumbling to herself.
One day I asked, “How are you today, Margaret?”
“Same as every day! Miserable!” she said.
Without really thinking, I said, “I’m so sorry, Margaret.”
Margaret dropped her eyes, and her lips began to quiver. She raised her hand, turned her wheelchair around and moved slowly back toward her room. My heart sank as watched her.
At Bible Study that day we talked about the power of hopelessness. What do we do when our joy dies, when our hearts have been crushed?
Margaret’s fellow residents had some answers:
- Don’t give in.
- Don’t give up.
- Cry. Scream.
- Keep moving.
- Get out of your room.
- Reach out.
- Look up.
Life is a battle. The stakes are high. Our hearts need us to fight. Gratitude can breathe life into a gasping soul.
Our hearts might ache, but we will not give up.
