Together
PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND
April 27, 2025
TOGETHER
Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Diane and I attended the Center For Hospice volunteer recognition luncheon. Diane does tuck-in calls on Thursday. She calls patients and caregivers making sure they are prepared for the weekend. There are many ways that one might volunteer: 11th hour volunteer, extended care facility volunteer, veteran volunteer, office volunteer, bereavement volunteer. One can also provide hair styling and barbers services, do pet visitation, or be a handy helper.
John Mastrojohn, III, president and CEO in his remarks quoted Helen Keller. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The staff and volunteers of Center for Hospice Can do much to help those facing the ending of life. Alone each person could do something to help persons in this special time in their lives, but together they can so much more.
As I get older, the Book of Ecclesiastes becomes more relevant. This is with the understanding that I take the Hebrew word “hevel” to mean transitory rather than the usual translation of “vanity” or “meaningless.” It is a reference to the last breath we took. None of us would say that was in vain or lack meaning. However, it was passing. One of the basic teachings of Ecclesiastes is that we should view each day as a gift from God to be enjoyed. With all of the medical issues I have had I find this advice helpful and encouraging.
The Book of Ecclesiastes talks about the value of having a friend. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone. And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand. A threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).”
One of the first things Jesus did when he began his public ministry was to gather a group of helpers. “As he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea – for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people. Immediately they left their nets and followed him (Matthew 4:18-20).”
In Matthew 10 Jesus sent the twelve disciples to proclaim the good news. They are to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and cast out demons. In Mathew 21:1-3 Jesus sent two of his disciples to secure the donkey for his entry into Jerusalem. In Matthew 26:17-20 Jesus instructs to make the preparations to celebrate the Passover. Just before his ascension Jesus commissions the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20).”
During his earthly ministry Jesus followed the observation of Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” May each of us in our lives puts words of wisdom into practice.
(Comments may be sent to davidh15503@embarqmail.com.)