April 11
Scripture: Psa 22:24
Source author: Deb Vellines
April 11
A Walk to the Library For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. —Psalm 22:24
Instead of driving, I decided to walk to the library after lunch. An elderly man in front of me had stopped to look at a motorcycle parked on a front lawn. “Hello,” I said. “Be a good day to ride that bike.” That’s all I said. The man started talking. Within minutes I learned that he and his terminally ill wife lived in a building next to the library. An aide was caring for his wife, and this allowed the husband a few minutes away from the apartment, but not from his problems. “The hardest part,” he said as tears flowed, “is that she understands everything I say to her, but she can’t talk, can’t even ask for a glass of water.” Usually I talk and want to fix things, but I heard a voice within me say, “Listen, just listen.” When we said good-bye at the library, I knew the One who understands our sorrows had arranged this encounter. I felt joy knowing God had used me. Since then, I’m a better listener.
Sometimes we love best when we just listen. — Deb Vellines —