"She has done what she could."

Mark 14:8 NLT

Perhaps the most meaningful dinner party ever given was hosted by Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Jesus had recently raised her beloved brother from the dead. Mary's heart was understandably full. The Pharisees were closing in on Jesus. There was a sense of drama and impending trouble in the air. Mary just wanted to do something to honor Jesus. She didn't know the full meaning of her actions. She didn't know it had been planned from eternity past that she would anoint Jesus for His burial.  Humbly kneeling before Jesus, she poured out her offering and let down her hair.  She did what she could to honor Him. It's clear by how Jesus responded that her actions touched His heart.

What can we do to honor Jesus?  A simple but profound example is being set for me right now by my spunky 95-year old mother. 

God blessed us with a beautiful assisted living arrangement for Mom. The facility is small, only 16 residents. It feels like family. At mealtime they sit four to a table. Mom's wheelchair rolls up to her table. Her best buddy sits across from her three times every day at meals. They have fun. They laugh. Her friend shoots her straw paper at Mom. Their only job each day is to have fun and enjoy.  But that changed recently when her friend had a series of small strokes. When she returned from her hospital stay, she had changed.  Now she rarely speaks. Now it takes time for her to process questions. She may respond. She may simply nod her head.

At the end of every meal as everyone is returning to their room, Mom wheels her chair over to sit beside her friend.  She places her hand on her friend's knee.

Her friend places her hand on top of Mom's.  And they sit together. Sometimes they talk. Sometimes they don't. But her friend smiles. When Mom is ready to return to her room, she kisses her friend on the forehead. It's become a routine. For every kiss, her friend smiles and leans forward expectantly.  

Mom has no idea that she is living out the words of Jesus. She just wants to show love to her friend. And she is doing that ... but much more. She is a living example for every worker,  every visitor, and the very grateful members of her friend's family. We all want to do something.  We want to honor Jesus.  But we don't have to do something grand and be recognized by thousands to touch His heart.

When you think about Mary, she was faced with circumstances she didn't like, circumstances that were hard to watch. Someone she loved was suffering. Mary couldn't change the circumstances. But she could make a difference. She could  honor Jesus by showing love. So she did. 

My mother is also facing circumstances she doesn't like, a situation that's hard for her to watch. Her friend is suffering. Mom can't change the circumstances. But she can make a difference. She is honoring her Lord by loving her friend gently and quietly. Mom's forehead kisses are as beautiful as any grand work she would do.

I'm sure watching the loving interaction between two precious old women touches the heart of Jesus as much as any grand work they could long to do.  Mom is simply doing what she can ... and has shown me an example I will cherish always.