CHAPLAIN'S CHATS

Come and Hear
By Wanjiru Mukunga
Chaplain, The Johnson Center

"Come, Wanji, come and hear," I drew closer to the two certified nursing assistants who were giving all their attention to the resident who was in her wheelchair, head bowed down but humming a beautiful melodious sound and loudly to her best ability. Immediately I could understand why they were excited.

"She has been like this since she woke up this morning," the two young ladies explained. It was a melodious tune. I called her name. She looked up, smiled and continued to hum. It was non-stoppable bubbling from deep within her and she kept at it as if she were powerless to stop it.

This resident is usually quiet with her head bent down. The helpers asked me what she was singing. I did not know. However, it did sound like a hymn I have heard before but I was not able to establish the title. What a blessing she was to us that morning! She would hum some and then change to a chorus and go back to a stanza. I believe this lady was having a good time praising her God.

How much we presuppose when we judge people from outward appearance. This reminds me of the Jesse family with the prophet Samuel holding the oil waiting to anoint one of the sons. As the five sons passed before Samuel, the Lord rejected them. Samuel asked Jesse, "Is there another son?" Jesse, dejectedly and almost embarrassed said that there was another son who is young and a shepherd. Samuel said he would not sit until the boy came. Sure enough, God had selected David to be Israel's king. God reminded Samuel that "but God is on the inside." (1Samuel 16:7)

This is always the case with residents. Their physical appearances may deceive. They may be looking like they are "waning on the outward, but they are gaining on the inward." During chapel services they may seem like they are dozing, but they hear and are aware of what is going on. During communion, they are ready to participate intelligently.

Last week during chapel we sang a hymn "Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life...." A week after, I heard someone humming the song in the dining room. And guess who was singing - the same lady had attracted other listeners who seemed very blessed by her ministry - like I am! I have since found myself humming the song, memories of which are linked to her. I call it her song since this is the very song she had been singing that morning.

We learn more about people when we take time and get to know them, listen to their story, and see them from God's perspective of judging from the inward and all the time being reminded that God has a plan and a purpose for each person.