LOVE IS NOT BLIND
We are here to love others. How are you doing that today?
I recently met a very sweet woman who lives in a nursing home. I really don’t know a lot about her other than the few things she shared with me when I visited with her. I was careful not to ask a lot of questions about her family in case they don’t stay in touch. The last thing I wanted to do was make her feel sad.
She sat in her wheelchair at the table with her arms crossed and her eyes closed. When we asked her if she wanted to make a craft, she declined. When someone brought the Bingo cards over to see if anyone wanted to play, she declined again.
I soon found out why – she was blind.
I pulled up a chair and sat between her and another gentleman. We had the most pleasant conversation. She was reserved at first, but she soon opened up. I could tell she had a very tender heart. I asked where she grew up, and she asked me the same. We talked about her long hair and I told her how beautiful it was, and it was. We talked a little about our siblings and if we were the youngest or the oldest. I found out that she loves spaghetti – especially the sauce.
She heard the Bingo balls rolling around as the caller mixed them up and asked what was making that noise. When I explained the game and why it was fun, it dawned on me that I should ask her if she would be my Bingo partner. She smiled and wanted to play.
The Bingo cards and markers were extra-large – making it easy for the older ones to see and handle. I handed my new friend one of the chips so that she could feel what I was placing on the card. I told her they looked like a piece of pepperoni. I guess that wasn’t a good idea because within minutes she was placing it into her mouth! I tried to stay calm while explaining that it wasn’t something to eat. She insisted there was something inside of it. I told her that I wished there was something good on the inside – like chocolate, but there wasn’t.
I thought she understood, but I caught her hiding it under her clothing – just like a child would do to save for later. I finally convinced her to hand it over so that I could use it on a number that was just called. She smiled and even laughed. Maybe she was picturing my expression when she put it in her mouth – I don’t know.
Our time was up and it was time for me to go. As I guided her wheelchair into the hallway, I heard her say, “It makes me sad that I’m blind.”
My heart.
She really caught me off guard, but God gave me these words, “But you have something that so many other people don’t have – you have a very kind and loving heart.” She asked me how I knew that, and I told her that it was obvious after spending time with her that morning. She thanked me.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13
“THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN BEING BLIND IS HAVING SIGHT WITH NO VISION.” ~ HELEN KELLER
Live-Write 
Your heart moves my heart in so many ways. ❤️
Thanks, Christy! You do that for me and so many others – every day!