Not long ago, I joined a small group of Christians from Loveland Methodist to study God's word. My mother and sister attend this church.
Mom looks forward to attending this class each Monday evening so awhile back when my sister went on vacation, I wanted to make sure Mom would not miss her class ... so for a few weeks I took Mom to the class. I have not stopped attending this class because it has now become part of my life, too.
Everyone should have the privilege of knowing my mother. At 89, she has very, very poor eyesight, she is wracked with painful arthritis but she never complains ... well, not very often. She is the most selfless person I have ever known. Truly, she is God's lamp on the hill, proclaiming His love for us all by the way she lives and loves.
The group moves to different houses, but no matter who is hosting on any particular Monday evening, there is always a chair near a light with a sign on it: Reserved for Louise.
I happened to be there the night Mom had just recovered from eye surgery to help improve sight in her one good eye. As we each took a turn around the room reading verses, it came to her turn. The room went totally silent as we all wondered if she would pass and let the next person read her verse.
But she was determined to read. She had her large-print edition of the Bible opened and held her lighted magnifying glass over the page and with hardly a hesitation and with her small voice she took her turn reading.
When she finished, the whole room erupted as everyone stood up and applauded her performance. It was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime moment I shall never forget.
She refused to let her disabilities stop her from participating in the reading. I know that Jesus was standing there next to her, laughing aloud at her triumph and her passion.
I have been attending this Monday evening Bible study ever since. I love watching Mom join right in with the readings and with the discussions. And I love the way the men and women in this class have accepted me -- even though I go to another church on Sundays. I love the insights that are revealed in this class and the very special way that everyone in this group cares for one another. It is more a second family than just a Bible study group. I can now see why Mom loves being a part of it all. She inspires us all to be better Christians -- better people. Amen.
Recent Comments