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5 Virtues in Action

I saw these 5 virtues in action this week. They each blessed me in a special way. 

1. Joyfulness
sweet nephew There are certain things that universally bring joy. Like, babies.

On Sunday afternoon we had our monthly family get-together at my mom’s assisted living facility. My nephew and wife brought their 2-week old baby. They graciously let us take baby Alexander to the Memory Care unit to show the other residents. Oh my. It was a blessing to see pure joy in the eyes that saw him.

I’m glad God seeded us with certain joys that cut through all ages and minds and hearts.   

2. Openness
On Sunday night one of our church elders gave a different kind of talk for him. I saw that he’s making genuine efforts to learn and try new ways of relating and teaching. I’m not calling him old, but it made me feel good to see that old dogs can learn new tricks. Maybe there is hope for me, too.

3. Loyalty
We met with a realtor on Wednesday to get the ball rolling to sell my parents’ house. But not just any realtor: the next-door neighbor to the house. But not just any next-door neighbor: the one who was my daily playmate as a child.

I’m so grateful that Valerie is so loyal to our family, even though we both cried through our meeting. She spent many nights in this house, too, playing paper dolls with me and hide-and-seek-in-the-dark and lots & lots of giggling. Loyal friends are wonderful.

4. Protective
I’m glad my brother canceled his two-week business trip to England. We depend on him to keep us level-headed here, and to keep us moving forward on the hard things. This week I’ve enjoyed being his sidekick again at meetings with the banker and realtor. I feel so protected knowing he’s on top of things and watching out for us.

5. Love
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.
~ 1 Corinthians 13:13

I could cite dozens of examples just from this week alone. Here’s one:

Because my mom took a noticeable decline yesterday, we’re getting the feeling that people are saying their good-byes to her. When two of her sweetest caregivers (Gwen and Tonya) came in yesterday afternoon to tend to her needs, they were gentle and respectful as always. But when I saw their tears falling, telling Mama they loved her, I had to tell them how much I love them.  And how special they are to me because of how they love my mom. 

Love is the highest virtue of all, yes?

* * *
How have you been blessed by someone else’s good virtues this week? Please share.

10 comments:

Carrie said...

I love your remarks about loyal friends. Valerie sounds like an AMAZING blessing and I'm glad how that all worked out!

Lovely list!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Jerralea said...

I'm so proud of you for seeing the good in the trial you are going through!

It's awesome to see how many have reached out to you and your family during this experience! Thanks for sharing - it gives us all hope.

Anonymous said...

I like your virtues list. Lovely way to reflect back on a tough week. It's also lovely that you have supportive people around you and your mom. (((Hugs)))

BTW Your blog is an encouraging read.

Hazel said...

What a blessed week of virtues and wonderful people. I say YES to love.

P.S. that's a cool hairstyle, love it! :)

Cindy said...

I'm teared, I just am so there with your loyal friend remark. We have our house on the market and it holds so many memories.

Babies sure do create a different sort of smile among others.

I love your posts,
have a great weekend

Susanne said...

I'm sorry your mom has taken a decline this week. Saying a prayer for her and for you. Loving, gentle caregivers are a true blessing.

Babies are another true blessing. What a sweet #1.

Having a realtor who is also an understanding friend must feel so good during the hard phase of selling your parent's home.

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

Your FFF blessed me this week, Lisa. #5 made me tear up.

How great to have a brother like you do. I always wanted one ... then the Lord gave me four sons!

Have a blessed weekend.

TXDidi said...

I can so identify with your post this week. My brother has been such a blessing to me as we've walked together through our mother's decline. We've always been close but this has brought us even closer and it sure has been comforting to have him along on this journey with me. I hope your mom rallies. They often do seem to go up and down.

Brenda said...

What a wonderful way to reflect on the week, by reflecting on the virtues. Its great when we can see those good things in others.

momma24 said...

What an absolutely lovely list. I am sorry about your mom, my prayers are with you.

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