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“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4 ESV)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Cliff Notes

 by Macy Johnson


“Share with God’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.”

(Romans 12:13 NIV)

 

A Cliff Note is a summary or brief explanation of a long text or speech. Many Cliff Notes in high school came to my aid for reading assignments.

 

Cliff made his appearance while we set up our camper. As the campground host for the month, he welcomed us to AH Stephens State Park. We soon discovered Cliff was born seven days before me, had a wife with dementia, and was a former BMW Master Mechanic.

 

My husband, Jeff, stood in line at the Walmart pharmacy when a lady touched his shoulder. Hurting and alone, she asked if he would give her a ride to her hotel. Jeff opened his heart, car, and even his wallet.

 

As a volunteer for St. Mary’s Good Samaritan gift shop, I reach out to those who come to browse or just escape from whatever brought them to our hospital. Some come for physical therapy, others for a mammogram, bone scan, or medical procedure. I encouraged recent visitors as they looked through the specialty items on display.

 

These people came to us – we did not seek them. God brought them for us to get “Cliff Notes” versions of their life stories. Our camping host needed to talk. The lady in Walmart needed help. Shoppers sought a quiet interlude during their hospital visit. 

 

So often I want to push others aside when they step into my activities. They swoop into my life like a swift brush of color. Long-lasting relationships are not formed; however, the encounters can be life-changing. I am presented with “Cliff Notes” of their lives and awarded opportunities to lift them up to my heavenly Father.

 

I will practice hospitality and offer my time and attention to others. I hope you will, too!

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