Just a Normal Day

I try to send get well cards to folks I know who aren’t feeling well. Sometimes I do better than others. This past week I realized I had gotten behind and when I went to the store I purchased ten cards for people I know who are having serious health issues.

*A young mother of two had a stroke (she’s only 28).

*A friend’s brother is having complications from diabetes.

* Two young men I know (both are in their 40’s….if you are reading this and you are under 30 that may not seem young to you but believe me, it is!) have serious back issues.

* A former employer has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

* A friend’s mother had hip replacement surgery and while recovering the hip popped out and she had to have surgery again.

Every Sunday when I get my church bulletin it seems there is someone new added to the prayer list. Every time I pray it seems my list of those with health problems gets longer and longer. Every day there are people who are struggling just to have a normal day.

Sending cards and praying are two things we can do to help those who are ill but there is so much more! For more ideas about how to serve others pick up a copy of ‘Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend’ by Lisa Copen. It’s full of wonderful ideas! Here are just a few.

1. Put food in disposable containers with a note that says it doesn’t have to be returned.

2. Add stickers to envelopes for a cheerful touch.

3. Arrange for your friend’s kids to have a night with your children.

4. Don’t make a person into a project.

5. Ask, “Would you be willing to talk to a friend of mine who has recently been diagnosed with a chronic illness and offer her some encouragement?” It makes one feel good to know that her experience can offer someone else hope and that God still has a purpose for her life.

6. Wash his car and put a little note inside for him to find later.

7. Remember important anniversaries, both the good and the bad. No one else will.

8. Ask, “Do you want company the day that you wait for the test results? I could come over for a couple of hours.”

9. “No matter how little you have, you can always give some of it away.” ~Catherine MarshallJust listen . . . until it hurts to not say anything. And then listen some more.

10. Ask her, “How do you feel God is working through-or despite-this illness in your life? I’m interested.”

11. Ask, “What do you wish people understood about your illness?”

12. Don’t make her feel guilty about things that she cannot do.

13. Treat her to a gift of movie rentals via postal mail through a service ($7-15 a month).

14. Ask, “Would you be comfortable with having your name on a prayer list, so that others can pray for you?” Don’t assume.

15. Instead of saying, “I will pray for you,” say, “I’d like to pray for you right now, if that’s okay.”

16. Mop the floors.

17. Ask if she would be interested in writing something for the church newsletter, maybe even about the subject of living with chronic illness
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18. Ask, “Do you have an errand I can run for you before coming over?”

19. Ask her to do spontaneous things, like go to a concert in the park, or just for a picnic. She may be more likely to participate since she knows if it’s a good day or a bad day.

20 For a unique gift, provide brightly colored paper plates, napkins, and utensils in a gift bag with a note that says “For when you don’t feel like doing dishes.”

21. Get her a pretty box to keep all of her notes of encouragement. Remind her to get it out and read things when she is feeling down.

22. Be her advocate. If you are at an event and walking/seating is an issue because of her disability, ask her if she’d like you to take care of it. If she says you can, be firm but not rude. Don’t embarrass her by making accusations of discrimination or by making a scene.

23. Ask, “Would you be interested in a prayer partner from our church?”

24. Purchase matching coffee mugs for you and your friend, and then commit to pray for one another each morning while using them.

25. Say, “While you’re in the hospital I’d be happy to take care of your pet.”

Have a great Gratituesday and here’s hoping you have a normal day! Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!