In worship I always ask for joys and concerns prior to the prayer time. On the way to church, Daughter asked me to pray for one of her current house mates. She's been having a hard time and creating chaos in the house. Daughter said, "I know she doesn't mean to. She just can't stop herself." I was impressed with her empathy towards this woman who she finds so annoying. When I asked during worship, prayers were requested for the daughter of a shut-in member. Her daughter was just diagnosed with breast cancer, and is facing surgery. She is having a difficult time understanding it. Daughter knows this woman-- they were housemates in her first placement, and she still sees her regularly when all the group homes go to the VFW for jazz night.
Daughter was sitting in the front row, and I could see her reaction. She had a look of shock, and then her eyes filled with tears. She began to cry, but she was working hard to control it. I suspect I'm the only one who saw her crying. I went over and placed a hand on her shoulder as I continued to collect prayer concerns. We had a conversation about her friend on the way home. I mentioned all the women she knows who are breast cancer survivors, and I suggested she make a get well card for her and pray for her. When I dropped her off at home, she was planning what the card would look like.
She has a heart full of compassion. Yes, she can create drama and be attention seeking, and she has a good heart.
In other news, today our attendance was excellent-- Easter was the only Sunday this year it was higher. It's great to see the growth taking place. One of the women who has been visiting brought a friend with her today. I think we will have more people than I thought joining the church in a couple of weeks. I'm grateful for the growth we are experiencing. We now have 24 raised garden beds, and all of them have been taken, most of them by people in the community. Our neighbors are surprised when they call and find out the beds are free. It's our gift to them.
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