The next day, we take out the men to a different beach Marla has found. I confess I was nervous. I had never as of yet, visited the men's building. I was thinking of the nursing home I had worked in years ago, and some of the leacherous old men there. I couldn't have been farther from the truth. They were like old world gentlemen. Sweet, gentle and utterly respectful, extremely grateful for any small favor you gave them.
I think my heart was more touched by them than anyone else. We set them on the beach one by one. One older man walked out a ways and just dove in head first! He swam and swam and swam. We had a hard time getting him in for lunch on the beach. He explained later, that he had been a fisherman by trade, and had longed for the sea so much, but thought he never would return. It was such a sweet day for him. What a small thing to do, yet what an impact for him. You never know what God is doing when he sends you....you just have to go, and watch Him bless those around you, and in doing that your blessed even more. It almost seems selfish in some way. Just like in God's economy,there is no lack, to be poured out in service means, He is constantly pouring in. It is how we are designed to live and be fulfilled in this life.
Richard, whom I briefly introduced you to, was nervous about getting in the water and balked for quite a while. He teased and joked about it, but I could see he was genuinely nervous about the idea. We lured him in tossing a tennis ball. Yeah...it was underhanded, but it worked. Soon he was splashing in some shallow water, then he worked up the courage to hold hands and walk out a good distance from shore. The water stayed about waste deep even far out. He hollered and hooted, he was so proud to be walking in the water! After a while, when it was time to go it took some fast talking to get him out! Only many promises of bringing him back placated him enough to get him to return. One of my favorite pictures is of Marla sitting on the beach with the guys letting the waves roll in over them. I filmed most of the day, so ended up not participating as much. Finally, I couldn't stand just observing anymore and threw down the camera and went into the water with them. Now, whenever I go to the Infirmary, I spend as much time as I can in the men's ward. They are great fun, and many are very wise, and Godly men. Whatever circumstance brought them here, they seem to make the best of it, and are quick to smile and invite you to talk.
No comments:
Post a Comment