Jesus & Orange Juice

Recently our long-time, Huntingdon volunteer, Linda, became very ill and had to miss several weeks. While I was glad to meet with her clients in her absence, I knew they missed her. Every session they would ask where she was; if she was ok; is she sick, and; most importantly, when would she return? One client, who is particularly fond of Linda, emphasized to me that Linda just needed to drink more orange juice; she wanted to be sure I would see to it that Linda had orange juice and that Linda was drinking said orange juice!

Isn’t the love of Jesus something wonderful?!?

Just as our client wanted Linda to liberally apply orange juice, we need to liberally apply the love of Jesus to our relationships and everything we do.

I do not think Linda, or her clients, realized how much they loved and appreciated her until she was absent for a few weeks. Linda knows how they prefer to receive their lessons, which lessons they have completed, what time they prefer to meet with her, and even which chair is their favorite chair in the counseling room. Linda has spent time getting to know and care for each of her clients. 

Client relationships, just like any relationship, take love, time, and energy. Not only does Linda show up on time—every time—she works hard and pays attention to each client. Her clients know and feel this. They reciprocate by showing up for their appointments, doing the pretests, post-tests, and often the homework too! As I spoke with them in her absence, I was impressed with how much they missed her and how consistent they were to complete their lessons.

How am I doing in my relationship with my clients? My loved ones? Am I showing up? Am I putting love, time, and energy into my relationships? What about the most important relationship of all, my relationship with Jesus? He shows up every time! Do I? What do I need to focus on to improve my relationship with Him? My relationship with others? 

Unfortunately, our client’s belief that orange juice will heal Linda is not entirely true. However, the love Jesus offers us will heal our hurts, and the hurts our clients have. Just as our client wanted Linda to liberally apply orange juice, we need to liberally apply the love of Jesus to our relationships and everything we do. Isn’t the love of Jesus something wonderful?!? l

 Written by Mary Jefferis, CSD