A Lenten Devotion by Bette Norton
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
I have known Ruth Heckman as long as I have been a member of Edwards Church, for about forty years! Our friendship blossomed when we both served on Diaconate for many years. Ruth moved into Heritage, a Senior Living Community, about six years ago. I decided to visit Ruth on every Tuesday with the exception of one Tuesday a month when I had an Open Spirit meeting. I look forward all week to our Tuesday visits! Our friendship has deepened through these visits, and Ruth has become a mentor to me. Ruth faces every health challenge with grace and dignity. Ruth will say she is “the cat with nine lives,” as indeed she is!!
Ruth has taught me to live each day with gratitude, courage and faith.
Ruth lives a full life in spite of all her health challenges. I believe Ruth’s secret for living well is her deep compassion for others and her continued interest in her church, friends and family that keep her going.
Art and I have many fond memories with Ruth of outings to the Wayside Inn, getting ice cream, and going on “get lost rides!”
Ruth has become a very special person in my life. May I be blessed to age as gracefully as her.
“At its core, life is not about things, it is about relationships.
Sister Joan Chittister
It is the hands we go on holding in our hearts at the end
that define the kind of life we have led.”
The Gift of Years
Thank you God for friends of all ages. Amen