Alvin

One of my many favorites is Alvin. He told me he has been in the Infirmary for over 20 years. His legs are malformed, and he has very limited use of his twisted arms. His bible lies by his head. A very intelligent man, he loves to talk. He always starts out by telling me "Lisa...you are looking fabulous today!" It always makes me laugh as I stand there sweating (the staff tells me I'm melting) with my hair tied up in a kerchief. Alvin loves to read, and can converse on about anything. He's waiting on the Lord to come get him, but until then, he will live each day with gladness, and patience. His theology at times can be a little confusing to me, but we call on the same Lord, so we are family. I know if I'm going over to his section, to grab a chair because there is no quick "hi, how are you", with Alvin. One of the amazing things about him is his attitude. There is no impatience...no seeming unhappiness...just an ever present contentment and joy that has nothing to do with his circumstance. He has made up his mind to be happy.
Paul said, " Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full, and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:11-13
Alvin carries that treasure in his "earthen vessel."

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world, to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world, to put to shame the things which are mighty, and the base things of the world, and the things which are despised, God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in his presence. 1 Cor. 1:26-29
Don't you love that?!!