Colossians 3:12,14 – Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. (NLT)

In the ministry of last things, my friend looked over at her dear, 94-year-old stepmother-in-law, resting comfortably in the living room hospital bed. All had been done to make her cozy and safe. The furniture was in familiar places to prevent confusion, and her loved one could look across at her coffee table with the special memory drawer. My friend looked at the bed again, and she knew that some colourful bedding would brighten the room.

Always confident that God's providence was in place to meet any need, she thoughtfully visited the thrift shop with a gift certificate tightly between her fingers. Treating her stepmother-in-law as she had her own mother in her declining years, she searched the store for just the right items. Sure enough, tucked away in linens, she caught a glimpse of muted-sage-green, rose, and cream-coloured fabric. She lovingly bought the pillow shams and a light top coverlet spread with green gingham edge, and prepared them for the bed.

The next morning, she heard a soft voice say, "So beautiful," as her loved one patted the pink roses on the coverlet. "My favourite colours." The coverlet of love had transformed the hospital bed into a place of beauty. My friend's storehouse of sensitivity overflowed down her cheeks, in tears of gratitude, while she served the Lord.

Let us be as considerate as she has been. Let us tenderheartedly think of how to brighten the life of another person, to the glory of God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Your love covers us completely so that when we are doing the ministry of last things for others, You send coverlets of love in every shape and colour. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Milam <karenbmilam@gmail.com>
Penn Valley, California, USA
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