You can do it

Edward Everett Hale, author of “A Man Without a Country” was an author, a historian, a patriot, and a minister. He once said, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

I recently heard a pastor read this quote during one of his sermons, and it really resonated with me. It has stuck in my mind, because it is very meaningful.

We all have God-given talents. Not one of us has all the talents God has distributed to his people. We must not be disappointed if we lack something given to others, but must use the talents we have.

Hale’s quote reminds me of a few “somethings” that I can do, and should do.

When I was a child, my grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and he also had a stroke. He was placed in a nursing home in North Carolina. I was eight years old.

I remember visiting Grandpa in the home a couple of times. The place had nice, friendly people, and it was not a scary place for me. I don’t know how long he was there, but I know they took good care of him.

Almost 10 years passed before I was again inside a nursing home. The experience was very different this time. I was with a group of teenagers from my church, and we were there to visit folks in the nursing home.

It was a rewarding experience for me. In general, people were happy to have us visit them. It was a cheerful few minutes for them, in a room without much cheer. Some of the residents had no visitors, or they had family who lived far away and didn’t come.

I went back a few times alone to that nursing home. It was a bit awkward, but I knew it was a good thing to do, visiting those who were alone and lonely.

I remember one lady I visited, Mrs. Horvath. I had gone to the nurse’s station to find out who I could visit that didn’t have visitors. They directed me to Mrs. Horvath’s room. She had no family except for one son who lived in another town and rarely came to visit.

When I stepped into her room for the first time, she was lying in bed. She looked up at me, an 18-year-old girl, with suspicion, and asked me why I was visiting her. I told her I just was there visiting people. I stayed only a few minutes and left.

The next week, I went back to visit Mrs. Horvath. I had told her I would be back, and this time she was sitting up in her bed, expecting me. The visit was much less strained the second time. We talked and she was glad to see me.

I went back a few more times to visit Mrs. Horvath. We always had a nice visit together. We had developed a little friendship. Once I brought my mother with me.

I’ve often heard people say they cannot go visit people in nursing homes. For many, it is a creepy or depressing activity. Some are actually scared to go into a nursing home.

I used to tell people I go because there are many who cannot. I cannot do everything, but this is something I can do. As Edward Everett Hale said, “I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

We all have our talents and gifts. Discover your gift and do it. There are others who cannot do what you can do.

Have a great weekend!

— My love to all,

Nancy

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For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

— Jeremiah 29:11