Saturday, December 13, 2014

An Advent Life

He carried me…Simple and sincere words from a woman who, without knowing or trying, has become hopefulness for me. A dialysis outpatient I gratefully call friend comes easily to mind as I think about signs of a Hopeful Earth. Very near the end of her son’s struggle with cancer, not one bit strong herself, she made her way to the top of the steps where he was lying in his basement apartment. As she lowered herself down, one step at a time, she wondered how she would possibly make it down and back up. Then she felt arms strong and kind, her grandson’s arms, carry her to the bedside of her son…

There’s room at my table...A resident new to her nursing home was unwelcomed for various reasons into the community. She had her struggles settling in to a new place, at times grumpy and hard to be around. My watchful friend paid attention and thought about all this. She was new, too, and not so sure of her own place. One afternoon, as folks were arriving for dinner, she spotted the woman, alone as usual. A wave, a chair offered, new life…

A jar of pickles… "It’s the little things," she said at our most recent visit—"a bottle of ketchup, a shiny penny." When she sees a penny (if you look closely, you’ll see them everywhere) she gathers her strength and bends to pick it up. Off it goes to a friend who saves pennies for a cause that serves those in need. 'You know, it’s the little things that matter most….'

All is well…She is no stranger to suffering, loss, and grief. A chronic health condition that requires 15 or so hours a week on a dialysis machine; moving from home to nursing home; the loss of a son; family concerns, physical pain and more - and all is well. It seems this becomes truer for my friend every day. We haven’t talked about Advent. I don’t know if her religious practices even include it. She just comes to mind at the mention of the word. Her Advent gift to me - and you - is an abiding expectation that all is well and Jesus is why. Old news but newly told by a woman who accepts its promise and knows its joy.

We first saw Jesus a baby in a crib. This same Lord Jesus today has come to live in our world; he is present, in neighbors we see our Jesus is with us, and ever sets us free.   

Nancy Ingelson is a hospital chaplain.