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John 13:15 – I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (NIV)
Until recently, my husband and I have been playing cards with two other ladies. We tried to play once a week. Sometimes, it worked out, while at other times, life got in the way, especially as we grew elderly. We would rotate to each of our individual homes to play. The person who hosted would provide refreshments and dessert, which was always a treat.
The day came to get together at one of the ladies' homes, but my other friend and I received an email saying, "I am an old lady and the first snow scares me. I do not feel like going out. So I am not going to play cards today. Sorry!"
I telephoned the lady, and she told me that she didn't feel up to playing, and that the excitement of getting together had waned, especially because it had snowed earlier. I assured her that whenever she was ready to play again, she should let us know.
After our conversation, I thought about what she had shared. Although she had politely blamed the snow, I know that because of his dementia, my husband can't remember what trump is and also gets the jacks mixed up. In addition, I'm still learning to curb my unnecessary remarks about his poor playing, which he can't help. This combination was beginning to make playing the game unpleasant for the others. I was grateful for my friend's remarks, because they had triggered a reassessment of my behaviour, and now I had the opportunity to change. They brought to light what was hidden deep down inside, which had become a bad habit.
Proverbs 27:6 – Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (NIV)
Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
We, who are following Jesus, are His examples to others, and therefore, we should be careful in all that we say and do.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for showing us our arrogance, our faults, and our wrong attitudes. Thank You for friends who are politely able to show us our mistakes. Help us to search ourselves, to ask for forgiveness, and then to be renewed to do Your will. Amen.
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Good one Rosy.
Thanks for the good word Rosemary.
I am praying for you Rosemary. Special hugs in remembrance of much the same with my mom.
A great devotional this morning, Rosemary. Amazing that we can *always* be learning new life lessons.
Something for all of us in your words. Thank you.
(Texas)
Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your learning experience. I loved this story. May God bless you and keep you strong.
Thank you, Rosemary, for sharing your experience with us. How is your husband doing these days? Praying for you both. Blessings.
Rosemary,
God bless you and your husband.
(CA)
Good morning Rosemary. Thank you so much for your real life, down to earth, experiential devotional. It is good for me in many ways in the message you sent for certain, but also to just hear a Christian talking about playing a game and even admitting the game is a card game. It is kind and helpful to make it known that God can love folks who are real, everyday beings.
Hi Rose
I was thinking about why God takes away certain things from us and not from others? The only thing that came to mind is, It is ———
God’s perfect will and He has a reason (like it or not)! God is good.
God bless.
Thank you Rosemary. Your thoughts of this view of ourselves and for others brings home the very little faults that we don’t see in ourselves.
Yes! we should reassess ourselves and try to find out where we can improve the duties of doing God’s will.
But, importantly, seek to renew ourselves.
Thanks again.
(Quebec)
Hi Rosy, I sympathize. It’s so difficult. My father-in-law had Alzheimer’s. Then the signs appeared in a good friend with whom I met weekly for Bible study. We tried to carry on, but eventually had to stop. A dear friend, a long-time group, a Spirit-filled afternoon: that’s a big chunk missing from all our lives – stolen by the devil. God promises we will meet again and live forever, and the devil is going to hell. I know that hardly helps right now. Anything sounds trite. I pray for strength and grace for you. Hold on tight to the Lord. May you find blessings in your lives and know that so many people care for you.
Good morning Rosemary,
Thank you for the devotional you submitted today. Yes, we must be conscious of how our behaviour affects others and must seek the Lord’s help that our actions would better reflect His love and care.
Lord bless you for your sensitivity and understanding of why one of the card players wasn’t wanting to attend that day.
Blessings,
(B.C.)
Hello
This is a very good Devotional and I enjoyed reading it and yet found myself inside the words. I could see you all playing cards and then the change. My prayers are with you and your hubby, that frustrating as things may get or already are, may we always see people and the situation the way Jesus sees.
Romans 12:2 is such a fitting scripture and got me excited because it is perfect to share with a friend who is going through some things and it lines up with what we have been talking about.
God bless.
Hi Rosy,
Thank you for your devotional.
I like that passage from Romans, but it is so hard to do at times isn’t it.
I hope you can cope with the problems you are experiencing
Blessings.