Craig Clouston

Dignified

The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
Matthew 25:40

As a hospice nurse, Mandy had been tending Harlan’s needs for several weeks. Early on she’d learned about his love for Jesus and the old hymns. An integral part of her life growing up in the church, hymns spoke to Mandy’s heart as well. So as she tenderly wiped his brow with a soft, cool cloth, or massaged his atrophied muscles to aid in blood circulation, she sang hymns. It didn’t matter that Harlan never responded to her efforts because of his deteriorating condition; she sang as if he could. Yet deep inside she wondered if Harlan heard the words he held so dear?
Today, as she finished singing At The Cross, Harlan opened his eyes, turned his head toward her, and smiled, as tears of gratitude slipped from the corners of his eyes. His whole countenance was transformed in that moment; and so was Mandy’s! For with that smile came the understanding that he had heard! No longer did she wonder if her service was witnessed by the Father only. It was as if God were saying, “Thank you for treating Harlan with dignity. He has served me faithfully, as you are doing now. Well done!”
Then, as quickly as the moment had come, it passed. Harlan closed his eyes, turned his head back to center, and slipped away into the arms of Jesus.
Having lived his life unto the Lord, this humble servant was now with his Redeemer. His last breath on earth was followed immediately by his first breath in heaven! Harlan was now face-to-face with Jesus!

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The dignity shown to Harlan, by a woman having limited knowledge of his life and how he’d lived, was grounded in the understanding that all life is precious to God.
Young or old, healthy or infirm, we are directed to be considerate of others, showing them respect and dignity. For when we dignify them, we dignify Jesus.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, please make me sensitive to those who need a touch of Your love so that I might serve You by serving them. Amen.”