#121.  More Than One Viewpoint

I glanced around at the people on the bus.

Many in this town were quite elderly 

Because it is a popular retirement area.

So with me being a senior, new to the area

I soon became aware of people with walkers

And canes, someone to assist by their side.

Today was different though, it was impactful

So much so that I want to share with you

How a deep compassion, then thankfulness

Ensued my inner being as I simply sat there

And observed, seeing far more than with

The natural eye...it moved me to the core.

The bus stopped.  A lady leaned forward

As her dog stood also as they slowly

Headed for the front door.

Behind her was an elderly man, also with dog

Shaky to walk, stooped over, obviously unsure

As he too steeped forward, with white cane.

That is when I realized both adults were blind.

The dogs were seeing eye dogs to assist.

The bus waited and I watched as there was grass

In a small area just before the sidewalk.

The lady pointed her cane careful, cautiously

And moved carefully forward, simultaneously.

She spoke to the man behind her...often.

It was literally "The Blind Leading The Blind".

The impact on my heart was so profound

As I witnessed them literally inching their way forward.

Oh I wanted to jump off that bus and be their eyes,

Reassure them, help them be confident, encourage them.

Yet they were using the dog, cane, and each other

So as the bus departed...I was only too aware

Though I do not have a seeing eye dog

Or a cane, I now see "Better Than Before"

Thankfulness welled up from within for my vision,

New glasses recently and not having to have cataract surgery.

Those were my praise reports, but today...much more.

I sat on that bus and started to praise God for my health,

For my vision, for healing me physically, emotionally, etc.

And for keeping me cancer free...13 years! (1Peter 2:24)

I prayed for others on the bus that needed healing

And hated how much they've been robbed.

Sickness and disease is not from God,

He said, "My people perish for lack of knowledge."

Many have the mindset that getting older and sickness

Simply go hand in hand so they accept it

Run to the doctor, get their prescription

And try to cope as they accept deterioration and mediocrity.

Not me.  I fight for my health, maintaining it, resist sickness.

My heart went out to every person on that bus 

As I prayed for them with new compassion.

I was surprised when the Lord... 

The Holy Spirit revealed to me

What they see...when they look at me.

Eye glasses, and I get around easily without wavering

So they see me as someone with no problems.

The Holy Spirit sees within and He revealed to me

What He sees that they do NOT.

Due to lung surgery when I had cancer 13 years ago

2/3 of one lung...was removed surgically.

To have the Lord communicate to me in such an intimate way

Birthed more thankfulness and praise for my health

And for our personal relationship, He's with me always.

I am so blessed, how about you?

If you want to birth some thankfulness, compassion...

Take a bus ride!

Any town anywhere and it won't be long

Before you find someone who needs your prayers.

Your eyes will turn from self and your problems

As you become a vessel God can use effectively

Because a heart housing Jesus

Is a heart that loves people.  Do you?

Incidentally, two other ladies sat side by side

Opposite me, one with her cheek enlarged

Three times normal size, possible tumor.

She was smiling crookedly as she spoke

And I looked her in the eyes and smiled back.

One moment of connection, acceptance...

Not rejection, not head down, not avoidance.

I saw her fight to live, her healthy attitude,

Heard her compliment the lady next to her.

She to me is a hero...an overcomer, in her 80's.

So my little bus trip was a birthing trip

For thankfulness and compassion today.

I won't forget this day...I am so blessed.

So impacted that I wanted to share with you

And pray you are impacted accordingly.

People need the Lord and people need people.

Lets be effective as we reach out, solve problems.

What we do for others God will do for us...Covenant.

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones

                     Glory to God

                     09.18.15

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."