A short stay, but a big witness - Donny

When people become ill and find themselves in need of extra care, the staff of a nursing home can often lovingly supply that need.  Sometimes care is needed for a good length of time.  Sometimes the number of days are short.  Donny came to the nursing home for just a few months, but his short stay was a big witness of God's care through love of family.

"The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh.  Blessed be the Name of the Lord."  (Job 1:21b)  Job of the Old Testament makes this confident confession of trust in God in the face of grief.  "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh, blessed be the Name of the Lord."

How thankful our nursing home staff and residents are that the Lord gives and that He gave the gift of life to Donny to this world.  Donny was a joyous blessing to us.  His warm smile, easy laugh and engaging conversations of farming, hunting and family are his legacy.

And now, the Lord has taken away.  He has taken Donny from this world and unto Himself.  With the hope and promise of eternity, we who mourn Donny's death can echo Job's sentiments by praising the Name of the Lord.

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of life in this world and thank You also for eternal life.  Continue to care for Donny.  Keep him safe.  Wrap him in Your eternal arms of love.  Comfort us who mourn.  Blessed be the Name of the Lord, now and forevermore.  Amen.

(July 1996)