Corner View - Love

Love. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). 1 Corinthians 13. The love chapter. Love. It’s everywhere.

     Over fall break weekend, I went to a home for disabled adults called Rainbow Omega. If you want to see love in action, you need to check out this place. My youth group and I spent a few days moving rocks, weeding, working in their famous flowers, and spending time with the residents. The latter is where you saw love most at work.
     The love shown among the residents was so sweet.They helped each other do their chores, helped them walk from one place to another, and the entire group of residents knew the rest of the group’s names. In one of the houses we went to, one of the residents was leaving to go stay with his parents over the weekend. The residents in his house, besides saying goodbye at least 10 times each, gave him advice, such as “be safe” “wear your seatbelt” “don’t forget to take your medicine!” You could tell how much they cared about each other.
     Love was shown in the relationships the residents had with their house parents. The last night we were there, I talked to one of the house parents and asked her how long she’d been working there and what was her favorite part. “I’ve been working here for 13 years. It’s the longest I’ve ever been in one place. You see, I grew up in a children’s home, so I had no family. The residents here are my family. I don’t know what I would do or where I would be without them. When you’re having a bad day, they tell you how beautiful you are and how much they love you.” I don’t know about you, but that’s really touching. 
     The residents also showed love to my youth group, and all the other visitors they received. One resident, Mickey, always was on hand to give you a smile. Every time you would see him, whether it be a year or an hour later, he would ask you “are you my friend?” To which we would respond “of course! I’m always your friend.” “Forever?” “Yes. Forever friends.”
     At Rainbow Omega, there is a resident who has the same name as I. I met her a few years ago, and she was thrilled that we had the same name. This past week, I saw her again (I don’t know how we’d managed to not see each other every time I visited for the past two years). The instant she saw me she jumped up from her work station and beckoned me to come to her. Throughout the remainder of my time there, she was constantly introducing me as “my friend!” to her fellow residents. Finally, as we were leaving, she shouted to me: “Goodbye! I love you!” ♥

For more posts on “Love,” check out Jane’s blog.