Nancy L. to God:
Dear God, I take care of two very sweet elderly people. The husband is 92 and the wife will be 96 soon. I am on the night shift, and six other women cover the other hours.
The husband has recently been tested for colon cancer and the tests came back negative. The doctor does not know what is causing his difficulties. The other nurses and I have tried feeding him only certain foods but without success. We are concerned about the man's health, but we are also concerned about all the extra work we have to go through because of his excessive elimination.
This has gone on for about a month now and everyone that I work with is getting discouraged. Is this diet-related? Is there something we can do to stop this? Is there something You will share that would give the other girls I work with some hope?
Your wonderful words of love and encouragement mean a great deal to me. Thank You.
God to Nancy:
Dear Nancy, what I share here may not give hope to the others because they, and you, have been shortsighted. But you will gain from what I say.
If you feel this situation is a burden, it is a burden. Your job of caring for these two people has been easy, and now it is not so easy. This is what you have to deal with.
Find a way to not resist or resent the added work, and the gentleman will be eased. Give him other attention. Give him loving attention far beyond the physical. You will have to go out of your way to do this.
Turn your thoughts from your needs to his. Get your attention off this difficulty. Give him great reassurance.
This situation has a lot to do with expectation and control. Yours and the gentleman's. He has lost his control. Or this is the only control remaining to him. It is his right. Let him have it.
Give him great respect. He deserves it. He is much more than this old body that you clean up. He is a great soul.
Do you see how your expectation is a big factor here? In a way, this is a war of wills. Not that the old gentleman wants this condition, but your fighting it makes it stronger.
The cure is great love, Nancy.
Ask Me to help you serve him with My love.
Ask Me to help you to make this gentleman's remaining life one of joy and love.
Ask Me to help this gentleman to know that all is well.
Ask Me to help him know Me.
Ask Me to help you remember Whom you serve.
You are in service to this gentleman and Me.
Can you be there for more than what you are paid?
Can you give more than what you feel you are paid for?
If you can, continue.
If you cannot, withdraw.
This is not a test of you, dear Nancy.
It is a choice.
To serve this gentleman with great love.
To serve him minimally is not a choice for you, dear Nancy. You are someone who has to put her whole heart into what you do, or, otherwise, you insult yourself. You know what I mean.
The gentleman's condition will not go on forever.
* * *
Ruth to God:
Dear God, Your answer to me moved me very much. Thank You from the bottom of my heart. I have been trying to do less and be more, and resting more.
I have also tried to come up with a list of things to suggest to a younger person, but, of course, they are for me to remember as well. I came up with just seven, which is a pretty good number anyway.
1. Remember who you are — a part of God.
2. Remember that we are all part of God, and treat each other accordingly.
3. Be in nature daily.
4. Take yourself lightly.
5. Act from the heart without attachment to the outcome.
6. Laugh a lot.
7. Dance and sing often—have music always in your life.
Thank You for all you constant help, dear God.
With love and gratitude.
God to Ruth:
Thank you, Daughter Ruth.
Diane to Gloria:
Every time I reread a Heavenletter, there is something new I see. There is a special quality to reading my letter in Heaven — something about knowing a whole community is with me. I think I feel an energetic Heavenweb response.
I always start my day with Heaven. Four p.m. is usually my low point in the day, so today I decided I would reread Heaven now and make a new start! Love you.
God to Diane:
I'll see you then.