Today’s article is another installment in Brother P.’s column, “Lessons From the Nursing Home.”

A big part of my job is helping people in a nursing home to walk, but sometimes I learn lessons that could have been preached from the pulpit at church.

I went to work this last Thanksgiving morning, and a little lady that I walk with told me that she was very sorry that I had to come into work on Thanksgiving, and unless I am remembering it wrong, I believe I saw her eyes water a little.

Let me first tell you about my great sacrifice. I went into work to walk with a few people for a few hours on the morning of Thanksgiving. Afterward, I had Thanksgiving dinner with my family — and my family puts on a Thanksgiving that would out-Thanksgiving most others. Lots of food, lots of family, sometimes even games and some time to talk about our blessings.

Let me tell you about the lady feeling sorry for me. She is a little lady who will spend the rest of her life in a nursing home. She has an abusive family who only visit her in the nursing home when they think they may be able to get money from her. Oh yeah, she also had both legs amputated just below the knees. Her Thanksgiving consisted of institutional food, no visitors, and a roommate who cannot hear or see her.

And SHE felt bad for ME! Talk about putting another’s situation above your own! Talk about being humbled! Reminds me of a situation Jesus found Himself in — check out Luke 23:34.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.