Lesson Learned

Last night at Bible study, we broke into 3 smaller groups so we could discuss the chapter and also take prayer requests. One woman gave her request, fighting back tears. She had a family member in the hospital that was basically dying and the family was having a hard time dealing with it and letting her go. My heart broke for this woman that I hardly knew. She then said "Jennifer is taking me up there to see her as soon as Bible study is over... When I told her what was going on, she insisted I go back up there and she offered to take me." Jennifer isn't her sister. Jennifer isn't her daughter. Jennifer is a woman from her church (mind you- I don't go to this church... some people from my church are participating in their Bible study). I had the privilege of meeting Jennifer last spring at our women's retreat. She had pulled me aside to ask me about my adoption, so I had a chance to talk to her. She had a sweetness about her that was so genuine and so inviting. I very much appreciated it. I was surprised to find her on Facebook some weeks later (we had a friend in common!)... she had gone to college with a friend of mine. I quickly "added her." (As we say on Facebook.) And she has been a blessing and encouragement to me even online. I was excited to hear she was in the study I was going to participating in. At least I'd know somebody, right? (Turns out I know more people than I thought I would!) Anyway... the reason I'm writing about her...
Last night, hearing that Jennifer insisted on taking this woman to the hospital to her family, I got to thinking... would I have done that? Would I have offered to drive somebody to St. Charles (about 30 minutes away) and possibly stay with them while they visit their family. Then, there's always the possibility of having to hold them and pray with them if they're grieving. Would I be strong enough to do that? Would I be loving enough? And really? Deep down? I'd think "Well, that would sure take a big chunk out of my night. Bible study doesn't even end until around 9pm! I'm tired right now!"
I'm ashamed to admit I wouldn't have done things the way Jennifer did. But I am thanking God for not only Jennifer's godly example to the rest of us, but also that he prompted her to go. I don't know what else she had going on- maybe she had a busy day that day. Or maybe she had to get up super early today. In fact, she had mentioned she was just getting over the flu when I said hello to her and asked how she was doing. Yet she went. She was a friend to somebody that needed it. And I learned an important lesson.