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In reflecting on Mano’s life and recent challenges, I’m struck by how she practices the following ABC’s of Perseverance –
(1) Attitude
Given her circumstances (which seemingly could have been avoided), Mano remains positive. She exemplifies the quote above. This 90 year-old lady who—due to a combination of her broken neck with her pain medication—is only awake a few hours each day while lying flat on her back still positively impacts the lives of people around her.
When I consider complaining about inconveniences of life or the busyness of life that I choose, I’m reminded that sometimes, I make things too complicated. This visit with Mano was a good reminder of what really matters in life. The attitude you choose not only impacts your own outlook but those around you as well. When you really break things down, the important things in life are what we try to focus on with our Pyle Family Mission – Faith, Family, and Fun.
During our visit, Mom told me how she liked the lyrics of Tim McGraw’s new song, “Humble and Kind.” I think she wanted to reiterate this admonition:
“Go to church ’cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won’t be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind”
Mano certainly exemplifies the last lines of the song –
“Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you’re goin
Don’t forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind”
(2) Believe the Best in Others
Love chooses to believe the best about people. It gives them the benefit of the doubt. It refuses to fill in the unknowns with negative assumptions. And when our worst hopes are proven to be true, love makes every effort to deal with them and move forward. As much as possible, love focuses on the positive. – Stephen Kendrick, The Love Dare
When you ask Mano about the care she’s receiving from her nurses and doctors, she knows each by name and will tell you what a good job they’re doing. Mano has always believed the best in people. I think it makes a difference in the care she receives. People want to be around her and help her as well.
Her attitude combined with her belief in people is a magnet, attracting people to her. Mom said about a month ago—before the accident—she bought Mano a coloring book, so she could join some of her friends who were coloring. After a week, Mom noticed she hadn’t started. When asked about it, Mano said, “I’m too busy.” And she’s right. Mano is constantly visiting with friends; and she is such a great listener, people want to share stories with her. As a result, she has little time to herself…and she’s OK with that!
(3) Christ is the Source of Mano’s Joy & Strength
Jesus is our source of joy! Like the prophet Nehemiah reminded us so long ago, “The joy of the LORD is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10). The apostle Paul said it this way, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon” (Philippians 4:4-5).
Mano has been a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ for many decades now.
She is living out Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame,and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Since she wasn’t able to join us, Katy wrote a card for Mano. Katy’s faith shows a third generation legacy from both her Pyle & Smith family trees. On the Pyle side, it started with Mano and Paw Paw (who passed away on his 95th birthday last July—less than a year from their 70th anniversary!). The Smith family left a similar legacy, as all of Jennifer’s grandparents (through her Dad & Mom) were people of strong faith and commitment to Christ. These influences can be seen in what Katy wrote to Mano…
Katy described her picture as follows, “This picture is for you! I drew it the way it is for a reason. It’s a metaphor! The flower represents us – humans – who God made. He made us perfectly and beautifully, and we will stay that way forever! The hand holding the flower represents God – picking us up and holding us always. The hand is holding the flower in the sunlight because when God graciously picks us up, we feel better! I know God is taking care of you, Mano! Feel better soon.”
Thank you, Mano, for showing me the ABC’s of Perseverance!