PRAYERS & LAWNMOWERS

My father was a strong, proud man. He fought to stay independent and demonstrated to his world around him how to stay strong, how to get things done, and how to help your neighbor when he was down. As my father aged, he lost much of his independence to a wheelchair. But that didn't stop him from going about his regular routines. One hot, Indian Summer day, he was in our massive front yard, scooting along in his wheelchair, pushing his lawnmower. He was determined to make his home as beautiful as it had once been when his back was straight, his stance solid, and his health in better shape. He worked on the stubborn grass, going around and around, up and down the lawn, making his rows as perfect as possible with one hand on the mower and one hand on the wheel of his prison. A pastor saw him struggling and came across the street where he had been laughing and talking to some friends. He greeted him and asked him how he was doing. My father, never one to mince words, told him that life was tough, but by God, he was going to stay in the game as long as possible. As my father sat there, his kerchief soaked with the sweat pouring down his brow, the pastor looked at his watch and told this wheelchair-bound man that he only had a couple of minutes, for he was in a hurry to a very important meeting and he asked him if there was anything he could do for my father. Without waiting for a reply, he went on to offer to pray for my father and his health. My father looked up at him from his wheelchair, pointed at his lawnmower and said, "I don't need you to pray for me pastor, I need you to mow my damn lawn." I've never forgotten that lesson. Prayer IS important - and please, don't ever stop praying for each other. But sometimes we need to see that our prayers are more than words. Our prayers are a helping hand, a word of encouragement, an advocate for our well-being, a hug, a smile, or sometimes, simply a listening ear. How are you praying for others?