Authors Comment
I believe we define ourselves by what we do and say.
When our actions match our words we are congruent, and therefore usually happy.
If each of us were able to peer into our heart I believe we would discover that
dissatisfaction or sorrow stemmed from our disavowing what we held
most dear. We aren’t happy or happiest when we allow something or someone to
take center stage in our life. For we don’t know how to be other centered until
we meet and fall in love with the lover of our soul! But that’s a discussion
best saved for another day.
The Text
While
the doctor showed himself out, Naomi hurried to Tía’s room, opened the door, and entered. “Tía, do not worry. I
am here.”
“Good,”
the old woman whispered. She motioned for Naomi to come close. “Did the doctor
talk to you?”
“Yes.”
Naomi fluffed the old woman’s pillows.
“So
you know, the doctor says I need a companion to help me,” she rasped, her eyes
appealing to the young woman for her assistance. “I am getting along in years
and this fall has weakened me. I want you to stay with me.” She took a deep
breath and continued, “Years ago you told me how you cared for the blind, old
grandmother. I know you have a caring heart and will make it worth your while
to stay and tend me. Since you have a desire to educate yourself, I will
arrange for you to go to school so you can become an American citizen. If you
decide to stay, I will leave you my savings, this house, and my business. I
will make sure that you will have a good life and can make a living. I am
giving you this opportunity because though your heart has not always been at
peace with what we negotiated, you held to your commitment. I know that if you
commit to my care, you will stay and complete your obligation. Many will commit
to staying, but few will follow through on their word. I know that you will.
Think what this will mean to you in the future. After all, what are a few more
years if, after I am gone, you can have a life of ease that you would never
have access to without this inheritance?” Vida closed her eyes and it seemed to
Naomi that she had fallen asleep. She was about to leave when the old woman
roused herself and muttered, “Think about this offer and let me know what you
decide.”
Naomi
left the room, feeling as if she were in a stupor. Aware that she needed to
think about the ramifications of accepting the offer, she sought solace, walked
through the kitchen, and sat by the fountain. Over her years of isolation the
solitude of this place, which reminded her of her family in Spain
Even
as she did, she tried to find another solution. It was through her process of
letting go of childhood dreams that she allowed her feelings of longing and
personal need to wash over her. Overwhelmed, she cried out and put her hands
over her eyes, aware that the very thought of choosing to stay was more than
she could bear. Spent, she lowered her head and sought God. She prayed and sat
still while she waited for tears to come. No tears fell. None came. Since the
children in Spain
Gripped
by fear, she bolted from her chair and ran into the house. It was still
somewhat dark inside, but she knew her way and was in front of Tía’s door in an
instant. She entered and flipped on the light. Tía lay prostrate on the floor
next to her bed. Naomi hurried to her side and rolled her over. She saw the
look of humiliation in the old woman’s eyes. It was a telling moment for both
of them. While Naomi struggled to get her tía back into bed, she
realized, I could no more leave her than I could leave myself. She
pulled the covers around her benefactor. “Yesterday
I stayed with you because of our agreement. Today I stay because you asked.”
“Call
my lawyer … and have him come over,” Tía croaked. “Documents must be drawn up.”
Naomi
nodded and closed the door. She walked to the old woman’s study, felt the
weight of responsibility heavy on her shoulders, and silently prayed, Adonai, help
me. If you are listening, help me to do what I must.
Reflection
Authors Observation - I believe that each of us, like Naomi, have called out for divine
intervention. For I have spoken with many who struggled and eventfully decided
it best to believe that there is no God because their prayer was unanswered.
Sometime what we thought
was important changes as we mature. But for those forced to stay or become
something other than they were intended to become that process may not occur. If
it does at some future date occur the outcome might be very different than the
one originally expected.
During these times one might ask, “What can I count
on?” Isaiah 57:10
says, “You wearied yourself by such going about, but you
would not say, ‘It is hopeless.’
You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint.”
I
wish Naomi would have known the comfort found in Isaiah 40:31 for it
says, “…but
those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like
eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” But Naomi had no
Bible because all of them and every religious book belonging to or dealing with
anything Jewish were burnt during the Inquisition. When she finally obtained a
Bible she only reads what she knows, thus staying trapped by her lack of
understanding of how much God loved and cared for her.
Today you have access to Gods Word which reflects
his love and desire to care for and comfort you. Therefore even if you, like
Naomi, chose to stay when all you wanted to do was go, you are never alone
unless you chose to be.
Consider the choices and ramification, and then
reflect.
Until we meet again may you know Gods Shalom for the
peace that transcends our understanding is there for all who love the Lord and
are called His!
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