Craig Clouston

 Dignified

January 22

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 condi-

tion; 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.”