“I don’t know why I’m still here.”
Those were the words my 97 year old mother spoke recently when I visited her in the assisted living community where she lives.
It is true, Mom no longer shapes the minds of kindergarteners as she once did as their teacher.
She no longer serves as the pastor’s wife, or the Bishop’s wife since Dad passed to Heaven ten years ago. She no longer sings in the church choir or serves on the altar guild. She no longer drives across Tampa, Florida to visit the elderly infirm woman who was her “charge.”
She may no longer serve the Lord in the many ways she has throughout her long and fulfilling life. But she still serves. God’s not done with her yet.
In spite of her physical restrictions, Mom is an active resident in her community and in her church. As long as I can remember, Mom has made it her mission to visit the sick. She still does. Using her walker and sometimes with a great deal of discomfort, she walks to the Health Center to visit her friends who are in nursing care.
Once the Resident President of the community, she knows many people. When I was there it seemed like she doesn’t walk anywhere without offering a friendly greeting and word of encouragement to those she meets. Walking to the dining room can be slow going because Mom stops to say hello or ask how another resident or that resident’s family is doing.
On a recent text thread we have as a family (yes, she texts!) she wrote, “ I pray for him each day as I do for each of you and yours. How much love can one heart hold. It seems LOTS. “
It was obvious to me that God continues to minister through Mom when I happened to run into the greater retirement community chaplain in the coffee cafe.
“Your mother is a blessing to many here. She is such a woman of faith!” Pastor Rob told me.
Seasons change, situations change, even our physical restrictions change. God uses all of it to fulfill His purpose.
The prayers Mom prays are important.
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16
The words of encouragement that Mom speaks are powerful.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
When Mom visits the sick, she becomes the hands and feet of Jesus.
For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ Matthew 25:35-36
My mother is a living example that God’s purpose for our lives never runs out this side of the veil.
Perhaps you are uncertain of why you are here. I want to encourage you. Like my mother, if you woke up today, God has a purpose for you.
God’s purpose may be a smile or an encouraging word. He will use that prayer only you can pray for someone—because of what you have been through—for His divine purpose. Perhaps the acquaintance you meet in the break room or the friend you meet for coffee needs to hear the very words God speaks through you.
Do you know someone who wonders if God’s purpose has run dry in their life? I encourage you to share Mom’s story with them.
Wait, watch, listen, and ask the Lord to show you how He is using you in your own sphere of influence. He has a purpose for your life.
He’s not done with you yet.