My old Girl Scout leader, Kathy, was in her final season of life. For years she’d nurtured young girls like me, instilling important lessons about life while teaching us to find joy in simple things, like building a campfire, tying knots, baking cookies and watching birds. At her knee I learned how to transform a bar of soap or two small medicine cups into a beautiful ornament for my mother.
She was also a longtime, devoted member of the little church I grew up in. She taught Sunday school, baked sweets for Vacation Bible School, and sent words of encouragement to members and missionaries alike. In spite of advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, she attended church faithfully until the last few months of her life.
Week after week during the time set aside to share our joys and concerns during church, she would slowly rise from her seat and wait her turn to speak. Then she would offer an embarrassed, shy smile and say, “Well, I don’t know what I was going to say, but I know that God loves me.”
Even when she couldn’t remember where she lived or the names of her family and friends, she remembered what was important: God loved her and was always with her. In her final days my dear old friend demonstrated the truth of finding peace in God’s enduring love.
Memory Verse:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
– Psalm 118:1 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“What a blessing Kathy was, Lord. Thank you for her instruction and example during those early, formidable years of my life. Thank you for the others you’ve placed in my life, Lord, to mentor and support my spiritual growth. Thank you also for the peace we have as believers knowing that you are with us always. Please bless those who have blessed me, including…”
Contributing Writer:
Vicki Beck
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