kindness – Woodsmoke and Cardamom

Helpful People

by Lucy M. Young

Father, I come to You today with gratitude for friendly, thoughtful people
           who help me on my way -
Opening doors for me and carrying packages,
Stopping traffic so that I may cross the street on my crutches;
Waiting patiently for me to make my clumsy way through crowded stores.

They smile,
And in their smiles I sense Your loving presence.

Lord, bless these good, considerate people.
Make smooth their way through life.
Ease their burdens, calm their fears,
Comfort them;
And guide them safely through each day.
Help them, Lord, as they have so unselfishly helped me.

Gifts

by Lucy M. Young

Dear Lord, You have given me so much,
So little I've given to You;
But I had so little material wealth
I didn't know what I could do.

Then I remembered what You once said
To the people so long ago,
"Whatever you do for the least of these
You do for me also."

Well, Lord, I have plenty of love to give.
I can reach out a helping hand,
Give a friendly smile, or a pat on the back
To show them that I understand.

I can hold someone stricken with grief to my heart
And pray that my love may console;
Give friendship, companionship, sympathy,
To some lonely suffering soul.

Lord, grant that I always may see the need
Of a stranger a friend or a foe;
And show me how best I may help them along
That their hearts more joy may know.

The Night Nurse

by Lucy M. Young

She comes into my room so quietly, I hardly know she's there.
Her cheery smile, her air of confidence allay my fears
And slow my racing pulse.
She comes on silent feet
With soothing words and gentle hands
To ease my pain with medication,
Or maybe help me to relax
With just a little friendly conversation.

All night she's near and I can rest
Knowing a simple touch upon the call bell
Will bring her quickly to my side.
May God be always with her
And bless her richly for her sympathy,
Her quiet strength and patient understanding
Throughout the long dark hours of what could be 
A sleepless pain-filled night without her.

Lord Be in My Eyes

Lord, be in my eyes.
Let me see beauty everywhere -
In earth and sea and sky,
And in the faces of my friends and family.

Lord, be in my ears.
Let me be deaf to harsh and cruel phrases.
Let me hear only pleasant words and lovely music
From the stars, the songs of birds,
And in the words of those around me.

Lord, be in my mouth.
Let me speak gently,thoughtfully,
And let me never speak an unkind word to hurt another.

Dear Lord, be in my hands.
Keep them ever gentle, kind and helpful.
Let them never be in anger raised against another,
But keep them ever ready to be used whenever needed
By stranger, friend or foe -

Then, Lord, be in my mind and heart.
Keep them clean and clear and open to receive Your word,
Ignoring hostility, intolerance and anger,
And helping me to know how best to love and serve You daily.

The Day Nurse

by Lucy M. Young

Tall, petite, chubby, slim,
Blonde, brunette or redhead;
Gentle fingers, soothing hands
On many a fevered forehead.

Eyes of blue or gray or brown,
Pleasantly beguiling;
Never frowning 'though displeased,
Always sweetly smiling.

Bringing trays, making beds,
Changing soiled linen;
Answering the many calls
Of restless men and women.

Always finding things to do
To bring the patients pleasure;
Comfort, ease and confidence
She gives beyond all measure.

Gracious God, bless her now
And never cease to guide her;
Hold her up and give her strength
And ever walk beside her.