I went to see June yesterday. I try to go once a week. We had the best chat ever. I adore what remains of her lovely Swedish accent.
June was in her early 60's when I first met her and offered to study the Bible with her. She's 88 now. Her life has not been easy. Orphaned as a child, she was doing heavy farm labor by the time she was 14 yrs. old. She came to America at 25 yrs., and while encountering many hardships here, too, she now speaks of deep, joyful gratitude and the wonderful friends she made--mostly people who employed her as a caregiver.
In the early 1980's, when my husband, Ron, was undergoing radiation treatment for a malignant tumor, June made a weekly trek to our home to deliver her wonderful home-baked, whole wheat yeast rolls and pastries. There may have been no healing properties in these sumptuous, calorie-laden, carb-heavy delights, but her constant demonstrated love was a healing elixir for our heavy hearts.
June still climbs the steep hill behind her little house to pull weeds and tend her flowers. Her sight is going dim and her conversation betrays a failing memory, but her faith is still vibrant.
A widow for many years now, June's three children have arranged for her to have live-in help, but much of her day is spent alone--but not really. She maintains an on-going conversation with God. Her neighbor sometimes hears her across the fence and asks who she is talking to. It embarrasses her a little, but it never deters her.
Walking ever deeper into a fading light as age inevitably advances, there is no greater comfort than a companion who knows the way. June's hand is firmly held by the Lord she claimed as her own so many years ago. While ambition has lost its meaning, and possessions hold no value, comfort, hope and love remain through faith in the One who walks beside her.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.
Psalm 23:6
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