Anna Shows Us What God’s Goodness Looks Like – Love.
Anna has just celebrated her 86th birthday. During these years she has volunteered as a Bible Study teacher at her small country parish. And she loves it. Now, at 86, with diminishing eyesight, which hasn’t deterred Anna from wanting to serve the Lord. As she put it, “After all He has done for me.” She added, “I’ll just look around until I find something else that fits!” And Anna did just that. She began looking for a suitable “what’s next?”
She volunteers today as a Eucharistic minister for Alzheimer patients at the Free Spirit Wing of The Little Flower Health Center. She loves the work and enjoys meeting the residents, as she says for the “first time every time I visit.”
With a huge grin on her face, she says: “Each time I go there, I never know what to expect.” She continued, “It’s such a joy to bring Jesus.” And she quickly added, “They may not remember Jesus, but I know He remembers each of them, and loves them.”
Since our lives are on a journey change is unavoidable. Anna experienced this suddenly when her eyesight weakened. Anna needed a suitable change. She needed a “what’s next change” that would fit her journey.
At 86, she still finds life at the Free Spirit Wing, and says with enthusiasm: “I get far more back than I bring.” She continues, “Even if I only bring a little hope to each patient.” She looks around and says: “It’s better than sitting home in an empty room and wondering about ‘my what’s next.’ It’s just easier, and more fun too, to choose my own what’s next myself.”
Anna is taking her new “what’s next” from God’s gift, which is freely given to each of us. She chooses that gift, and uses what she needs for herself, and the extra Anna gives to those who need it. At this moment, Anna’s ministry and the residents at the Free Spirit Wing are enjoying the goodness she brings. And, when you give God’s goodness away, God simply gives you more to give.
Anna’s life and ministry is an example of how her life, given to her by God, is fueling her love of those who need life. Anna tells the Spirit Wing patients through her visits that she sees them, that they matter, and that God still loves them.
Anna admits she doesn’t know how Jesus works it all out. She just makes the choice. and with a broad smile adds: “I trust Jesus to work out the details.” When Anna brings joy and her love for the Eucharist, Anna feels as if she has the same power as Jesus when He healed a withered hand or gave sight to a blind beggar.
In Anna’s heart, she sees her small action bringing the same miraculous power that Jesus does with His, even if she only renews, refreshes, and remakes them for a little while.
Surely God is grateful to Anna for her help, and she feels certain God loves watching her emulate Him creating and shaping life through Anna’s hands and the love in her heart.
God continues to make the lives of His creation better and more joyous! When Anna helps God to do this, Anna shows us what God’s goodness looks like – love. Remember, we all have “What’s next moments” until they’re gone.
It’s people like Anna who have the courage and trust to discover those moments and bring them to life. And never forget, God will help.
Painting by Rafal Tomasz Urbaniack
