Recently, I’ve have been visiting a friend at a long-term care facility.
I’ve been quite a few times to see him, and often it’s a difficult experience. It’s not simply that my friend is progressing slowly but it’s that so many residents in the faculty are dealing with a variety of impairments. My heart goes out to them every time I’m there.
I am encouraged by the care that the residents receive, and my friend is usually in good spirits. The facility seems to be a very supportive environment. But, I look forward to the day my friend can be back to a more normal kind of life.
Every time I visit, there is a resident in a wheelchair waiting inside the double doors.
I’ve been there in the early morning and late afternoon, and he is faithfully at his post. He places himself right beside the automatic door button and he loves to be the one to let you in. He is basically the volunteer doorman.
He watches for people through the glass doors, and quickly reaches for the button. You can sense that he is dedicated and excited to offer his assistance in this small way. I imagine he can’t wait to get to his spot every morning.
I have explained to him how much I appreciate his help and he seems to be fulfilled in the effort. I have a strong sense that this man is doing God’s work. It could be described as a holy moment when the doors open.
For me and many others, it’s just a button on the wall that I’d have to push.
To this man, it’s everything.
It’s meaning, responsibility, and service.
In that place…
Some see a prison, this man sees a purpose.
Some feel despair, this man finds dedication.
Some dream of healing, he is busy helping.
Some face adversity, he finds adventure.
Some are counting the days till they are out of there, this man counts the people he has served.
He is a wonderful welcomer.
He is a devoted doorman.
He is a sacred servant.
I don’t know his whole story, but I know he is playing an active role in his story.
I don’t know your whole story, but I do believe God wants to be involved in every moment of it.
And I pray that you and I can be as faithful in opening figurative doors for others, as the man who opens the physical doors for every visitor.
No matter your limitations, find a way to display God’s limitless love.
-Tom Wise