Today's Lectionary TextMatthew 7:12 J.B. Phillips New Testament“Treat other people exactly as you would like to be treated by the. This is the essence of all true religion.”.png?width=320) Today's Devotional
My husband and I have spent a lot of time caring for adult family members. We cared for my mother while she was descending through the fearful and paranoid stages of dementia. Our boys have spent time with us while they sought new jobs. Even his mother spent years with us after she could no longer make major decisions or care for her own finances. Toward the end of her life, she was in a lot of pain and that made her grouchy and inclined to blame people.
My husband began to copy the speech patterns of his mother. That scared me. I became critical as well and felt that I was always being judged. During that time, I woke up each morning and planned my daily to-do list. I would greet him with a recital of that list. Our time together became tense. During my devotions one morning, the difference between my behavior and the golden rule struck home. I began writing my daily agenda on a piece of paper and setting it aside, instead of talking about it. I would then greet him with a smile and a kiss. He began to return both. Life became less tense. It’s been three years ago now and we increasingly appreciate each other. Thanks be to God! --Elly Biederman
Lay Speaker, Plattsmouth, Nebraska Prayer for ReflectionLord, we pray for those who find themselves critical of those nearest them. Amen.
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