How often we imagine we will be a blessing to others through the church activities we place on our calendars, only to find that we are the ones blessed beyond measure.
Six years ago, I was given two separate assignments: to visit and take communion to a “shut-in,” and to mentor a confirmation candidate. Ellie D., age 19, could be my granddaughter. Ellie S., 100, could be my mother. Ellie D. has been an inspiration, and my visits to Ellie S. are an opportunity to hear what life was like through the years since 1919.
Visiting with my two Ellies is a blessing and a pleasure. With the younger Ellie, I share her enthusiasm for life and hopes for the future. With the older Ellie, I appreciate a life well-lived in the spirit of Christ and anticipate my own future years.
This message is an excerpt from “Give us this Day: Ellie and Ellie” by Angela Tietz in the September 2020 issue of Gather magazine.
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