After I had settled into my condo several years ago, I joined other owners for their weekly game day in the club house. As I became a regular, some conversation arose regarding a “Myrtle.” Trying hard not to gossip, I learned that she was persona non grata with most of my neighbors. Apparently, Myrtle had burned her bridges by her lack of appreciation for favors shown and from demanding further services. I determined to keep my distance from her, if possible.
It wasn’t long until I met her. She was a small woman who used a walker. Mrytle appeared to be friendly and sort of lonely. She suggested that we have tea at her place some afternoon.
I decided to take her up on it, despite her reputation. During our visit, it soon became apparent that Myrtle looked at the dark side of things. Her conversation was full of complaints about her kids, her health, her life, etc. It was an uphill battle to keep a smile plastered on my face. I left our tea party in need of a dose of optimism and hope.
When I returned the favor of tea at my condo, Myrtle seemed delighted to come. I attempted to direct the conversation to sunnier regions, without much success. She held onto her pessimistic views on life with tenacity. I could hardly wait to see the back of her.
Then it happened, like that dreaded occurrence you know will hit just when you least expect it. Myrtle called in tears to tell me of her heartbreak. Due to a doctor’s recommendation to the DMV, she was no longer allowed to drive. Besides feelings of hatred for this physician, Myrtle choked out a dismal scenario of her future isolation and eventual demise. Her family members were all busy with work and she had no one to help transport her.
My thoughts crowded around this potentially disastrous situation and its impact on Yours Truly. I knew that Jesus was tapping on my shoulder about helping “the least of these.” [i][1] Hadn’t He reached out to the hated tax collector Zacchaeus, touched the leper to heal him, and connected with the Samaritan woman at the well? In addition, he’d healed the demon-possessed man of the tombs, blessed and healed the woman with the issue of blood as well as saving and forgiving the woman caught in adultery [2] : all those were outcasts.
In each case, Christ had cared little for His worldly reputation and put Himself out there for the down and outers. This meant becoming ceremonially unclean so that He wouldn’t be allowed to worship in the temple. Jesus was the good shepherd who left the ninety-nine to search for the one who was lost.[3]
Gulp! I guess with that as my example, I needed to take a chance on serving this neighbor of mine. I offered to take her to her gym outings three times a week but set that as my boundary, except for the occasional medical visit. For other trips, I suggested that she check with SASTA Transportation Services and Catholic Charities.
It’s been my go-to when she starts with her black cloud outlook to use humor and prayer to help her climb out of her pity party. Once, to stop her ongoing complaint session, focused on her lost medical alert bracelet, I replied,
“Myrtle, you sound like many other older folks, including me. I’ve decided we have the same major occupation: trying to find what we’ve lost or attempting to remember what we’ve forgotten.”
After chuckling, she commented, “I’m glad I’m not the only one.”
I also try to set an example by being grateful. She accepted a “Jesus Calling”[4] devotional for Christmas, although I don’t think she reads it.
Our relationship has blossomed, and I’ve noticed a softening in her attitude. She does thank me on occasion and seems to appreciate my efforts. I love it when I can get her to laugh or smile, which is becoming easier. She attends church, so I often point her to the Lord or prayer. Believe me, I do pray for her, since it seems that her attitude affects her already compromised health. I’m sure that Christ would have reached out to her if she’d been in Bible times, but for now, I thank Him that Myrtle is my assigned outcast connection.
[1] Matthew 25:40
[2] Luke 19:1-7: Matthew 8:3; John 4:7-30; Luke 8:27-39; Mar 5:25-34; John 8:3-11
[3] Luke 15:4
[4] “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young, published 2004 by Thomas Nelson
Dianna
Sharing the Fruit of Maturity
