Visiting a Friend

It's Thanksgiving Day. The family has come around. Food sits ready on the table. And as we near the end of eating, someone asks who plans to go shopping tomorrow. Later my family asks what I want for Christmas. To be honest, the answer is a contented "Not much." There are a few items I've been researching for a while -- a quality SLR digital camera, good motorcycle helmets, quality binoculars -- but, now that I can have virtually anything I want, nothing seems to be a necessity. Nothing makes my heart jump with excitement at the prospect of a purchase.

In the previous post I asked for Christmas service ideas. While no one's written a comment, several ideas have come via other means. At a recent funeral of a family friend -- 2 funerals, in fact -- I've run into elderly widows that I knew as a child. Seeing these women again reminded me of Matthew 25 where Christ says to visit the widows. In the book of James we read that true and pure religion includes visiting the widows and infirmed. And why not? Visiting a widow doesn't take much time, and it brings much joy to both of us. Listen, talk, share. Read to her or change her light bulbs or hold her hand while she tells her stories.

I had the chance to do that recently. We only shared about 30 minutes before it was time for her treatment, but driving away afterward I wondered who was blessed more. I know she was touched and encouraged by a simple visit and honest discussion. Yet I could argue that I was the one who received more. I was the one who asked difficult questions and received experienced wisdom. We both won. We were both blessed by a moment's encounter with another journeying soul.

I don't yet know what our family will do this Christmas to break the Materialistic cycle, but my vote is that we visit the widows who may otherwise receive only the gift of solitude.