“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” - 2 Corinthians 9:11
Waiting in a hospital can make time stand still. You feel like minutes are hours. All you want is answers and good news. There is nothing to do but wait, and you want to do something! I found myself in this time warp for 12 days recently. At first, I paced. Then, I ate, read, listened to podcasts, watched youtube videos on my phone, answered text and emails, and paced some more. I began looking for ways to pass the time by helping others. I purchased coffee and meals, I talked and prayed with folks, helped with downloading GPS apps and teaching someone how to use them. I did just about anything to take my mind off of the unknown and pass the time.
A few days into our wait, I realized there were a few people who could use a holding cross. I had one I was clinging to in my pocket and there was one in my sister-in-law’s room for everyone to use when they visited her. I asked Pastor Joshua to bring me a couple holding crosses to give to those with me and around me. He did! He brought those and an entire bag of crosses - approximately 50. I thought he might bring five or six, not 50. As I carried this big bag of crosses into the hospital, a nurse taking temperatures asked what they were. I explained and gave her one. It wasn’t long until someone else asked, then I met a family on the same floor whose family member wasn’t doing well, and there went some more. We went to the chapel, and I gave them to the nurses, doctors, and chaplain. It seemed like every time I would think ,“WOW God”. God kept showing me someone else who needed the hope of the cross.
The gifts of our holding cross ministry gave me strength and hope. It allowed me the opportunity in the hardest of times to be generous and give God thanks! Generosity is not always easy when we are suffering through a trying time. Yet, 2 Corinthians 9:11 reminds us generosity will enrich our lives on every occasion. It enriched mine in a time I needed it most.
Prayer: Almighty God, on all occasions give us the longing to give, serve, and love others. When we feel overwhelmed or need hope ourselves, remind us how enriched our lives can be through being generous. Please continue to show us ways we provide hope and support. Thank you, God for the generosity you have showered upon us of your grace. Amen.
