EDITOR'S NOTE: In October 2021 I began a new venture writing a newspaper column titled "Finding Faith" for the Forum Communications Co. network of newspapers and websites. I was asked to contribute to the company's ongoing conversation about faith, lending a Lutheran and fairly ecumenical approach to the discussion. The column was published in several of the company's papers and websites, including The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. This column originally appeared as a "Finding Faith" column on Dec. 1, 2023.
By The Rev. Devlyn Brooks
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
I recently visited a parishioner who is recovering from a hospital stay at a rehab facility that can offer more hands-on care than the residential building in which he lives.
Leaving work at the newspaper, I stopped by the facility which is on my way home, but this meant that I caught the parishioner seated at a table in the dining room with two other residents, awaiting their dinner.
It might not seem the ideal place for a pastoral visit, but nonetheless, we had a wonderful conversation, as we always do, including the other two gentlemen at the table.
But the memory that still hangs with me, even days later, was witnessing the Holy Spirit in action all across the dining area.
At one table, there was a delightful scene playing out with a mother, her toddler and an older woman, to whom they referred to as “Grandma.” Now, I don’t know if there was a familial connection or if the title was honorary, but regardless there was love present. Grandma was happily enjoying the home-cooked meal that was brought her, as much as she was the antics of the energetic little one. As was the rest of the cafeteria!
Elsewhere, at two other tables, there were couples quietly eating together. I don’t know their relationships, but they were intimate, demonstrated by their loving actions and their level of comfort with each other. And at the one table, was what I presume is a husband who was patiently and tenderly feeding his wife who was physically unable to do so.
At another table, it looked like a daughter enjoying dinner with her father. Other tables were home to multiple residents enjoying each other's company. And then there was a solitary woman, engrossed in a magazine while she supped.
The connecting stitch through all of this tapestry of daily life was the staff who cheerily delivered the evening’s meal with as much grace, dignity, compassion and support as they could. The dietary aides, nurses and other staff buzzed about the place, affectionately calling out first names and treating the residents as if they were family.
Ask me how the Holy Spirit is manifested here on earth, and this live one act drama, this momentary picture of everyday life, is where I would point. That was the Holy Spirit in body, in action and in presence. … God breaking through the veil between the heavenly and earthly kingdoms.
Care facilities often receive a bad rap for being places of despair, lonely end-of-the-road stops in life’s waning years. But what I witnessed that night was pure love, the Holy Spirit in action.
Blessings to all of you who work at these facilities with endless compassion, kindness and care. Thank you! You are the embodiment of the Holy Spirit! Amen!
Devlyn Brooks is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and serves Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, Minn. He also works for Forum Communications Co. He can be reached at devlynbrooks@gmail.com for comments and story ideas.
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