Compassion for the Elderly, Post Office Style
[FINDING MAMIE IN YOUR CHURCH] Mamie was an elderly woman, plagued with arthritis and a number of other ailments. So people were surprised to see her going regularly to the post office to buy stamps. One Christmas the lines were particularly long, but there was Mamie waiting her turn patiently. Someone pointed out that there were stamp machines in the lobby. She could save time and energy by using them."That’s true," Mamie responded. "But a machine won’t ask me about my arthritis."
No matter what size church you attend, I guarantee there’s a Mamie looking for a kind word from someone. It’s very easy to get in the habit of speaking to the same people every Sunday. After all, they’re your friends. But could someone who’s hurting and lonely be on the fringe of your class, your department, your age group? Perhaps they were drawn to your church because it seemed so friendly. Are they finding Christians who care? Do you care?
This Sunday look for "Mamie." When you find her, try to follow this verse. Both you and Mamie will be happier for it. Ask God to give you eyes to see the needy in your church.
From a sermon by Dennis Davidson, Service To Fellow Christians, 11/5/2009