One of my enduring memories growing up at Nana Chowk was Mum's balcony garden. She had gathered all manner of plants in pots and tin cans - and cared for them like babies. Needless to say, they flourished - and we had a small green oasis amongst the grime and noise of the big city that ground away outside (we lived at an intersection of at least 6 major roads).
After many years, we find ourselves living with my parents again. Mum and Dad have joined us here in the city, with cancer being the immediate cause - but many, many blessings flowing from being together.
We also have a small garden in our home - and with Mum taking up residence with us - it got expanded.
Some of the new plants were purchased from a road-side nursery. Some did not survive (for some reason the marigolds bit the dust). But some did. All got tender loving care from Mum.
One of the plants that was added was a small purple plant which had been discarded by someone. Mum nursed it back to health.
This morning it blossomed.
We have an object lesson in front of us.
That which is discarded can become beautiful.
So many of the people we work with are completely rubbished. Society sees them as trash. Family members are tired of looking after them. Others have burned multiple bridges and have no real hope of reconciliation. And then the discovery that they have HIV takes place.
Some years ago, a Mumbai pastor got a special insight into a passage of scripture. A poor barren woman made a song of thanks to God. Among the words she used in this happy song were these:
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
He seats them with princes,
with the princes of his people. (1 Sam. 2 and also Psalm 113)
The pastor shared that God is looking at the poor of our city - and sees men and women who have been thrown out as garbage... but He desires to lift them up - and to make them rulers and princes.
How great the love of God is - which He has lavished upon us - that we are called His children. What a tremendous hope we have. One that can take the brokenness of our lives and make something beautiful out of it.
A hope that can help us to help others for which we may have no 'realistic' hope for - and see some blossom - and others at least have the privilege of being loved before they depart this life for eternity.
After many years, we find ourselves living with my parents again. Mum and Dad have joined us here in the city, with cancer being the immediate cause - but many, many blessings flowing from being together.
We also have a small garden in our home - and with Mum taking up residence with us - it got expanded.
Some of the new plants were purchased from a road-side nursery. Some did not survive (for some reason the marigolds bit the dust). But some did. All got tender loving care from Mum.
One of the plants that was added was a small purple plant which had been discarded by someone. Mum nursed it back to health.
This morning it blossomed.
We have an object lesson in front of us.
That which is discarded can become beautiful.
So many of the people we work with are completely rubbished. Society sees them as trash. Family members are tired of looking after them. Others have burned multiple bridges and have no real hope of reconciliation. And then the discovery that they have HIV takes place.
Some years ago, a Mumbai pastor got a special insight into a passage of scripture. A poor barren woman made a song of thanks to God. Among the words she used in this happy song were these:
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
He seats them with princes,
with the princes of his people. (1 Sam. 2 and also Psalm 113)
The pastor shared that God is looking at the poor of our city - and sees men and women who have been thrown out as garbage... but He desires to lift them up - and to make them rulers and princes.
How great the love of God is - which He has lavished upon us - that we are called His children. What a tremendous hope we have. One that can take the brokenness of our lives and make something beautiful out of it.
A hope that can help us to help others for which we may have no 'realistic' hope for - and see some blossom - and others at least have the privilege of being loved before they depart this life for eternity.
Thanks, Andi. Greetings to your parents and all the family. Love, Kathy
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