For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

I remember in the early years of the spirituality program lots of travel as we were building and developing the program; I specifically recall one time in a Tennessee facility and passing by a room where a man laid flat on his back. I passed him by thinking he probably couldn’t respond or talk since he appeared to have little cognition or alertness. But the Spirit moved and I heard God whisper even as I walked away, Stop, and go back to that man; this man is requesting a visit. God had heard this precious man’s thoughts while I was focused on what he could not do or who I thought he no longer was. As I turned to go back into his room I had fears—fear that the man might not respond, fear that he might be too sick for his skin was graying and he appeared near death. But God said, Fear not, for I am with you both. This man knows you are there.

So I cradled my trembling hand over the man’s cold fingers, and looked into his feverish eyes, so delicate with the wear of use in his many decades of life. And there he was, looking back at me. I smiled and said something which I don’t remember now and his face changed from square to round like it had been lifted from the bed, and his eyes squeezed with the recognition of another, a simple conversation of hope without the parable of any words.

Is it as simple as time? Time given to hear God; time given for another; time given for those who can no longer speak for themselves, except through the listening voice of God.

Love to you all. Dianne

Dianne H. Timmering, Vice President of Spirituality
Signature Consulting Services, LLC