Being of one mind

AM Psalm 140, 142 • PM Psalm 141, 143:1-11(12)
1 Samuel 13:19-14:15 • Acts 9:1-9 • Luke 23:26-31

Given enough time and various situations, most people will have to choose to trust and put their lives, if even for a short time, in someone else’s hands. This kind of trust can manifest itself in many ways. During the summer of 2000, I experienced such a situation. In November of 1999, my grandfather passed away at the age of 96, leaving my grandmother alone in their house in Montgomery, Alabama. They lived there for decades, had many friends, and were part of a tight religious community. Unfortunately, the closest family member lived nine hours away. My grandmother insisted that she was able to take care of herself. Her children had serious concerns about that. I volunteered to spend the summer with Gram and help to assess her actual needs and how to best meet them. In June of 2000, I moved to Montgomery, Alabama, for two months, became head chauffeur, cook, doctor appointment keeper, and gathered all items necessary to keep a household going. That summer was the best one of my life. Gram had macular degeneration, which greatly limited her vision, but her wit and intelligence were limitless.

Gram loved the Jumble Word Puzzles in the daily paper. We worked those out together every morning. She simply adored the Atlanta Braves, and we “watched” every game. Even though she could not see the TV screen, she coached, cajoled and spoke sternly to them from her living room in Montgomery. Every evening at 5PM sharp, we enjoyed an ice-cold Tanqueray (just any gin would not do) and tonic with a freshly cut lime wedge while sitting on the patio. Summers in Montgomery can be indescribably hot, but when you are sipping on an ice tinkling cocktail with Gram, the heat becomes secondary. The conversation varied between current events and past adventures. It is something I will always treasure.

In today’s scripture, the relationship we read about 1 Samuel 13:19-14:15 describes a deliberate, selfless relationship between Jonathan and his armor-bearer. “Do all that your mind inclines to. I am with you; as your mind is, so is mine.” The words of the armor-bearer were the same attitude and feelings I had towards Gram. During that summer, I was with her, and her mind was my mind. I recognize that the armor bearers’ responsibilities were much more significant and his choices much more limited than mine. However, both of us had a choice in our hearts, and we both chose complete devotion.

I strive daily to put on the same mind as Christ and follow him wherever he leads, to be of one mind with him. I do this for many reasons, but one reason I hold to this belief is the hope that in some capacity, in the future, I will once again be able to enjoy Gram’s company. At the end of that summer, Gram moved to Arkansas to be closer to family. She left this earth in 2006.

Written by Tara Elzer

A member filled with gratitude for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.