Little things

The Father of mercies and God of all comfort . . . comforts us in all our tribulation. — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

A medical school program in New York gives students who are training for geriatric medicine a unique opportunity. They experience life as nursing home residents for 10 days. They learn some of the struggles of maneuvering a wheelchair and being raised out of bed with a lift, as well as reaching the shower bar from a seated position. One student learned how little things counted for a lot — like lowering nameplates on doors so that patients can find their rooms more easily, or putting the TV remote in a reachable location.

Although the students still can’t fully relate, they will be better able to serve the elderly in their future work.

Sometimes God gives us the opportunity to use the lessons we’ve learned and the comfort He’s given us during difficult times to help others in special ways. Paul indicated this when he wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble” (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

Are you using the lessons you’ve learned in your trials to touch the lives of others? Remember — even little things can mean a lot. — Anne Cetas

The comfort God has given us

He wants us now to share

With others who are suffering

So they will sense His care. — Sper

READ: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

God doesn’t comfort us to make us comfortable; He comforts us to make us comforters.

The Bible in one year:

• Daniel 5-7

• 2 John