Abundantly Above...

So today was another rough one, but instead of writing about what brought me down, instead I will write about another experience that lifted me up.

With all that has happened with my mother recently, and even some personal things that happened before that, I have been saddened and disappointed by the lack of care and concern by people who I always thought would be right by my side during times such as these. But I have more greatly comforted, encouraged and surprised by the care and concern that has come from those who have chosen to be right here with me, even when I haven't asked.

One such surprise came on Sunday.

I left church a bit late and as I was about to leave when my phone rang.

It was "Joe".

I answered and he asked me where I was. I told him.

I asked where he was and he responded with, "Oh, just hangin' out here at the hospital keeping your dad company."

WHAT?!?

Gosh, I felt awful. I wasn't even at the hospital yet, and certainly hadn't expected him to be.

And I still had to go home to change clothes before I would even be ready to head over. I told him that.
He didn't mind waiting. Wow!

So I went home, changed clothes and made my way to the hospital.

We visited with my mom for a while and I let Joe know that I had to pick my brother up from the airport. Guess what! Joe offered to drive me there.

So went to pick up my brother and Joe very patiently waited as the plane was parked on the runway (hadn't even made it to the gate yet), and as the carousel, that had my brother's luggage, broke.

After that, we grabbed a bite to eat and made our way back to the hospital.

I was floored...by the kindness, and helpfulness that Joe displayed. It was sooo refreshing. It's as if God has been watching all that I have gone through alone, the hurt, the abandonment, the burdens...and decided to give me a break by having someone show me love. Not "affectionate love", but the kind of love that says, "I'm here for you and I'm not going to leave you because I know that you need someone here, at this moment." THAT kind of love.

So there you have it. In my drought of loneliness, God has allowed drops of love to rain down. And for that, I am so greatly appreciative.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: If you had a loved-one in the hospital, what would you hope someone would do for you as an act of kindness?

Talk to me!

Til next time...