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The sheets were wet, but that was nothing new.

Each morning, I stripped his bed and did the laundry as I cared for my father at home. Now, he was in hospice, and his life was coming to an end. I didn’t ask for this duty, nor was I ready for it.

After a fall in the kitchen, my father had dragged his frail body to the stairs and plummeted down the six steps before him. He proceeded to drag his bloodied body into the nearby bathroom. Why? I would ask him later, but without getting a reply. He topped the event off by pulling a metal décor piece full of blue marbles and candles on his head. He was found fifteen hours later, bloodied and bruised, but, by the grace of God, still alive.

Love is patient and kind because it is the cornerstone of Christ. God gave patience and kindness to my dad when He allowed him to live. God gave me patience and kindness when He placed my dad in my care.

When we want to be the light of Christ, we act in patient and kind ways. To be more Christ-like is to be full of love towards everyone we encounter. I want to be more Christlike, and God gave me this opportunity. I plan to obey in all things He places in my path.

This life is fleeting in the bigger scheme of things. My dad needs Jesus, and I may be that instrument God uses to bring Dad to God. If I could bring the good news of salvation to just a limited number of people, I would want to include all my family first.

Today, after me praying for years, my father said, “I love you.” This happened because I was patient and kind. I became the love that Paul speaks of.

What have you become because of love? Pray to have a firm focus on Jesus as you carry God’s love to others. Be obedient, even when you are spent.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)