We are called to be servants

Galatians 5:13 talks about using the freedom God has given us to serve each other in love. The next 5 blogs will reflect the servanthood that I have seen from each of my brothers who have served others in love.

I tear up as I think of my brother Richard as he faithfully cared for his wife Yvonne for over 20 years after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. From the morning that she started having trouble writing to the day she died, he cared for her every need. He was insistent upon being seen this same day, sitting in the waiting room for hours, not giving in for a later appointment-- the diagnosis and surgery all happened in less than a week. Nonetheless, her prognosis was grim, the maximum amount of radiation would be given over the next month.

Initially, she did well, but what most people don't realize is that radiation continues to work after treatment. She gradually had the mentality of a young child and then a baby and Richard took care of her every need just as we do our children. Through seizures, multiple falls which caused major injuries to herself, bedridden and infections, Richard stayed by her side. While he was working, he provided care through two ladies who cared for Yvonne like their own.

None of us know except for Richard all of the times that they struggled. Little by little he has shared with me things that happened during those years. Both laughing and crying over her wheelchair getting away from him as he took her outside and then struggling to pull her up the stairs to get back in--sitting down and lifting her under her arms one by one to the top.

He never complained and looks at those times as very precious. In the last several years before her death, she was unable to do much more than communicate with her eyes. He knew her so well, that he knew what she was saying. There was no need for words. He always put her first, taking no time to take care of his own health problems, but waiting until after her death to have surgery himself.

Christ came not to be served, but to serve. (Mark 10:45) He is our teacher our mentor. To love like Richard loved Yvonne is to love like God intends us to love--serving one another.