Some of my sisters work in Australia. On a
reservation, among the Aborigines, there was an elderly man. I can assure you
that you have never seen a situation as difficult as that poor old man's. He
was completely ignored by everyone. His home was disordered and dirty.
I told him, "Please, let me clean your house, wash your clothes, and make
your bed." He answered, "I'm okay like this. Let it be."
I said again, "You will be still better if you allow me to do it."
He finally agreed. So I was able to clean his house and wash his clothes. I
discovered a beautiful lamp, covered with dust. Only God knows how many years
had passed since he last lit it.
I said to him, "Don't you light your lamp? Don't you ever use it?"
He answered, "No. No one comes to see me. I have no need to light it. Who
would I light it for?"
I asked, "Would you light it every night if the sisters came?"
He replied, "Of course."
From that day on the sisters committed themselves to visiting him every
evening. We cleaned the lamp, and the sisters would light it every evening.
Two years passed. I had completely forgotten that man. He sent this message:
"Tell my friend that the light she lit in my life continues to shine
still."
I thought it was a very small thing. We often neglect small things.
-- Mother Theresa
1 comment:
Reflection Questions:
1. Remember the last time somebody did something kind for you, that seemed small to them, but had a very big impact on you. How did that experience affect you?
2. How would you feel if you affected other peoples' lives as powerfully as the way that person affected your life?
3. Think of one person you know who is in need. What is one small thing you could do that would mean a lot to that person?
Post a Comment