CHAPLAIN'S CHATS

A Familiar Face
By Wanjiru Mukunga
Chaplain, The Johnson Center

Thinking of all the things that cause me to feel out of place I think of how lost I feel whenever I walk in into a social event alone and I am confronted with strangers! Suddenly, I see a familiar face! Even though I may never have spoken to the person, that instant they become most important.

I think of this any time I visit with a new resident or whenever I visit with a resident who has been transferred from one area to another. The first time this happened was when a resident had been transferred within the community. I decided to go visit the resident, being mindful of the affect that the move may have had on her. I walked into her new room and I could just tell by her expression how very glad she was to see a familiar face. She said, "I know you…do you come here as well?" I mentioned that I was there to see her and her new home and to pray with her about her new home. She was so delighted and she started to tell me more about her room. We prayed and she went on to talk about her room and that I should come and visit again.

The same day I went to introduce myself to a new resident from another of our communities. I was about to tell her my name when she noted, "Oh I already know you, I am so glad that I know someone here…" The visit was a blessing to both of us. I believe I was learning something.

Recently this thought encouraged me. Although tired from a full, busy day, I decided to follow up on a resident who had been moved to another area. I found the resident in her new room all by herself and deep in thought. When she saw me the look on her face relieved all my tiredness! She said, "I thought I would never see you again…have you come to see me?"

How blessed it is to go a new place where you come across a familiar face. Every transition is accompanied with deep emotions and fear is not absent. A visit from a familiar face does make a difference!

This is how it will be when we all get to heaven. Those who have gone ahead of us will be there to welcome us. And most important, our Lord Jesus Christ will be there!