A Truly Blessed Other by Elroy Mee
This year began with the theme, ‘Be brave for the benefit of others’, and it has continued ever since with different variations such as: ‘Being thankful for the benefit of others’. It appears constantly on our screens, in sermons and prayers, and during discussions, so it’s very hard to get it out of our minds, which is great, as it is a constant reminder of the Gospel, and what our Lord went through on the cross for our benefit.
At the Anglican Church Robina, it’s very clear that our people live it out on a daily basis—giving generously of their time, talents and treasure, welcoming new people warmly, and being quick to reach out to those who need help. And I can vouchsafe that this is the truth for they have blessed me especially over the past two years with their warm smiles, kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, and prayer as my hip continued to deteriorate. I am a truly blessed other indeed!
And so, given how difficult life can be, and certainly is at this time for countless people, I thought I might build up your spirits by noting all the people who blessed me by acting for my benefit during and after a recent Wednesday service. Some were church people, others were not.
– As I walked through the doors to the narthex, Stewart came running towards me with a big grin and my walker!
– Mary-Anne blessed me with the Sacraments.
– The ladies who have coffee after the service waited for me so we could go together, and they chose the closest cafe so I didn’t have far to walk.
– They also found a spot in the cafe where I could put the walker and helped me to get up and go to the front to place my order.
– A man who was next in the queue signalled for me to go ahead, so I thanked him.
– I placed my order for a coffee and biscuit and went to pay for it, when the man came over to me and said, “I would like to pay for your order.” Wow! I got quite a shock, and thanked him for his kind thought, then assured him that it wasn’t necessary.
– He smiled and said, “Yes it is necessary because you’re not letting me do my good deed for the day.” Oh dear! It seemed that I had to give in, so I said, “Well, I can’t be responsible for that, can I, so I accept your kind offer, and in return I give you my blessing.” He grinned at me and said he needed as many blessings as possible. So he paid for my order!!! He sat near the tables where we were, enjoying his coffee and a meal, and when he stood up to leave, we gave each other a ‘thumbs up’!
– I headed for Woolies with a bit of trepidation, because a news item the previous night was about setting a specific time for the elderly to shop because they were slow, irritating, and difficult to get past with their walkers. However, as I needed to do my food shopping I just had to hope for the best. But to my relief I found everyone, both staff and customers, very patient and very helpful, and they often gave me a smile, especially when I thanked them..
– On my way back, three members of our church community came over to me to find out how I was, and assure me of their care and prayers. And each one gave me a hug.
– Finally, as I cut through Myer, I got a terrible shock as I nearly tripped over the walker. The weight of the shopping had caused the bag at the back to come away, and fruit and veg went in all directions. I stood there trying to work out how on earth I could bend down and put it all back together when a lady who had been browsing came over and said cheerfully, “Don’t worry, I’ll fix it! I’ve had to do that for my mother.” And she worked at it until the bag was re-attached and the shopping was on board! I thanked her profusely, but she shook her head and said, “It was my pleasure.”
I hope my experiences on that day encourage you because there are so many kind people, Christians or not, who do countless things for others — and who can be encouraged to continue if people like us see them and thank them.
So this is why I acknowledge that I am A Truly Blessed Other, and why I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Amen.
Be Blessed, Elroy.