In a home for retarded children, Catherine was nurtured twenty years. The child had been [mentally handicapped] from the beginning and had never spoken a word, but only vegetated. She either gazed quietly at the walls or made distorted movements. To eat, to drink, to sleep, were her whole life. She seemed not to participate at all in what happened around her. A leg had to be amputated. The staff wished Cathy well and hoped that the Lord would soon take her to Himself.
One day the doctor called the director to come quickly. Catherine was dying. When both entered the room, they could not believe their senses. Catherine was singing Christian hymns she had heard and had picked up, just those suitable for death beds. She repeated over and over again the German song, “Where does the soul find its fatherland, its rest?” She sang for half an hour with transfigured face, then she passed away quietly. (Taken from The Best Is Still to Come,Wuppertal: Sonne und Shild)
You never know if what you’re doing… that you think is meaningless… has deep meaning in ways you cannot perceive! In some people’s world today Catherine’s life wouldn’t have worth. They would use terms like “quality of life” to rationalize shortening her existence. But for her… and in God’s view… her life had great value, worth, and purpose. Nothing done for Christ is wasted. Thus is is written in 1 Cor 4:5...
Do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
You may not think what you are doing has any effect, but you don’t know. You may wonder if what you’re doing is making any eternal difference, but the final evaluation isn’t in yet. You may never see the fruit of the seed you plant. Your part in the harvest might only be watering or tending in order for someone else to reap the harvest. Persevere! As it is recorded Jesus said in Matt 10:42…
Whoever gives… even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.
Looking for ISBN – Reference to the book for quote on Cathrine “Catherine was singing Christian hymns she had heard and had picked up, just those suitable for death beds. She repeated over and over again the German song, “Where does the soul find its fatherland, its rest?” She sang for half an hour with transfigured face, then she passed away quietly. ”
from “The Best Is Still to Come, Wuppertal: Sonne und Shild” I am writing paper on Disability and Faith. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Keith Harris
I believe the title, “Where does the soul find its fatherland, its rest?” is the title of a German song… not a book. Hope that helps.