By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another. John 13:35 (NIV)
A wise pastor once said: “Love is the willingness to do for
another regardless of the cost to self.” Little did I know, those very words
would be tested in the near future.
In 2011, my father sustained life-threatening injuries in an
automobile accident. As my father spoke to me from his hospital bed, he uttered
the words, “I’m not living as a cripple, Amy.” They were tough words to hear,
let alone digest. After praying with him, we were asked to leave. The doctors needed
to perform a procedure and visiting hours were over. That was the last time my father
was conscious—the last time we spoke with him.
When we arrived at the hospital the following day, the doctors
did not have a positive outlook for his recovery. You always hope and pray that
you never have to refer to the medical directive of a loved one. It’s just
another document in the fireproof box, right? Unfortunately, this was not the
case.
After much thought and prayer, I came to the conclusion that
in honoring my father’s medical directive, we were respecting the decisions my
father made—decisions that were his to make. It did not lessen our feelings of
grief, pain or loss. But through obedience, we were able to surrender him to
God’s sovereignty and loving care.
Many years ago, Jesus clearly demonstrated the willingness
to do for another regardless of the cost to self when He suffered on the cross and
died for our sins. I often wonder how God felt as He stood by and watched . . .
© 2017 Amy
A. Verzi
2 comments:
Heart braking story. Well Written!!
Amy, this story is a heart-breaker and brings back many incidences that occurred when I was taking care of my mother with hospice help. I have so many stories to tell, but I have to wait until the heart-break is lessened a little more. Remembering is sometimes like a knife in my heart, as I'm sure it is to yours also. Love your writing.
Evelyn
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