“The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.”

                                                                                                Matthew 20:28

Mary Daniel hadn't seen her husband for 114 days due to coronavirus restrictions at the senior care facility where he lives. Her husband, Steve, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's seven years ago and moved into a care facility in Jacksonville, Florida.

Prior to the pandemic she had been visiting her husband every night and would get him ready for bed. But when coronavirus hit, health facilities restricted visitors as a way to prevent the spread to vulnerable patients. The facility closed to visitors on March 11—the last time she was able to visit Steve.

Mary was worried about her husband spending so much time alone and said she was “desperate” to find another way to stay connected. “We have separated these folks to save them”, she said, “but I’m afraid the isolation will absolutely kill them. Especially dementia patients. They need interaction. They need to be touched. Otherwise, they will just wither away.”

Mary then said, “One day a few weeks ago, the corporate office of his memory care center called me out of the blue and said, “We've got a part-time job available; would you like to take it?” She was willing to do any job they offered for the chance to get inside, and what they ended up giving her was a dishwashing position.

The job is allowing Mary to see her husband regularly, and she is so grateful for it. “It is worth it to be able to visit him, and I can already just tell the difference in his demeanor after just three visits. I get to go every night and it has made the world of difference for me and him.” She said her husband now feels love - something he missed out on when they were separated. “I'm so grateful. I am so lucky and fortunate. Who would ever have thought that the happiest job I’ve ever had would be washing dishes?”

Just like Mary and her husband, we are separated from God by the disease and pandemic of sin. God wanted to show His love for us, however, and the only way for Jesus to come into the world was as a servant. He did this willingly to remind us God is with us and to reunite us with God through His death on the cross.

May we all be servants worthy of the rewards we receive and the blessings of God.

Heavenly Father. Give us the heart of a servant and the joy that comes with serving You by serving others  May we find joy and happiness in everything we do in Jesus’ name. AMEN