NOTHING IS PERMANENT

by eileenfgordon

Earlier today, I was walking towards my area when I heard a familiar voice from behind me. I stopped and turned around and there they were – Mr. & Mrs. Brown. They said they have been looking for me at the Lynn Haven Store but couldn’t find me. So when they saw me from a distance, they just had to say hi.

I met Mr. & Mrs. Brown at Bay Center where I used to work. Their son Tim used to be under our care. When Tim was admitted at Bay Center, all his faculties seemed to be still functioning, save for some lapses. That was from my point of view. I just recall him conversing normally. In fact, my first real encounter with him was about 2 days after his admission. Somebody called him on the phone and I had to find a way to have them connected since the facility phone could not be connected to his room. I had to find the number for the cordless hall phone so he could take his call.

I cannot remember exactly how many days have passed but one day I received a directive from the Director of Nursing. Tim has been put on a one-on-one care. I have to allot a CNA just for him in my schedule. They said he cannot be trusted by himself anymore. And since there was shortage of aides at that time, I have had to do it every now and then. I relieved the aide assigned to him when she goes to lunch, or when no one is available and I was not busy. I made him draw, color, and play cards. The point of my long story is, I have witnessed how he has deteriorated.

The medicines they were giving to calm him down and the other medications he was taking plus his condition made him a different person. He would not talk anymore. One morning, I heard a report that he was peeing blood. He had urinary tract infection and Bay Medical sent him back, still having the same issues. I still remember the day they took him to the hospital one day in October. I was preparing for someone to stay one-on-one with him when I was informed that the hospital was keeping him. That was the last time I saw him.

The first time I saw Mr. & Mrs. Brown at the Lynn Haven Store, I asked them how’s Tim doing and they told me he was gone. After Bay Medical released him, he stayed at Bridge at Bay St. Joe for 3 days and then he passed away.

Tim’s case is just one of so many. People are doing very well, healthy and status wise. Then at the blink of an eye. something happens to turn their world upside down. Suddenly, they are not healthy anymore, physically or mentally. From robust individuals, they have turned helpless and dependent. At yesterday’s count, there were 118 of them just at Bay Center. Brothers and sisters, there is nothing really permanent and lasting in this world except God and His word.

Now I understand the urgency of the message of repentance. If today we hear His voice, harden not our hearts (Hebrews 3:7-8). Because we are not certain about what tomorrow will bring. In fact, only God knows if we will still wake up the next day. If you put your trust in God and follow Him, you become ready for anything that might happen. If the Lord calls you back right this minute, you would know where you are going and that you will live eternally in heaven. The alternative is truly unthinkable – a place where there is gnashing of teeth, the worms that eat you never dies and where fire’s never quenched. It is better known as hell.

I am just thankful that even though I am a sinner, God’s light still shines in me. If not, then Mr. and Mrs. Brown would not have went out of their way just to see me. Same with my previous co-workers who went looking for me at my new job. I must have done something good somewhere, somehow, even if some people think different.

My friends, we are called to reflect God’s image and likeness in each one of us. That is a better witness than righteous preaching. And since nothing in our world is permanent, we should act and do it now. Before it’s too late….

Most loving Jesus, have mercy on me. I know I am a sinner and I know that You love me anyway. I pray that I would be able to make a positive impact in every person that I meet. May I rise above my weaknesses and be faithful and obedient to You. With the Holy Spirit, I pray in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Meditation: Hebrews 10:19-25

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscienceand having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

–that in all things God may be glorified