Reuben Shubaugh’s story was recently featured on a Wichita TV station. He is known in his neighborhood as the beekeeper or the “bee man,” a title he has proudly worn for more than 50 years. His neighbors see him outside going from hive to hive collecting beeswax and honey, continuing an acitivity that may have been practiced first in ancient Egypt.
But as the reporter pointed out, something far greater is going on in Reuben’s house every day away from a watching world. Inside Reuben cares for Zelma his invalid wife, who is unable to do anything for herself. They have been married for 65 years. He says, “I thank God for the opportunity to care for someone” as he takes a moist towelette and wipes her mouth.
In my book Mind Change I have written:
“We need to understand the liberation of love. Love—that decision to take our eyes off ourselves and put them on others—liberates us from the ugly prison of selfishness where so many stay locked up.”
Reuben has learned that lesson. Some would see his life with Zelma and wonder if they could handle the burden. To Reuben it is no burden. His challenging circumstance is transformed into a blessed opportunity by an attitude of gratitude.
Why don’t we let the bee man teach us how to make life a lot sweeter?
Reuben Shubaugh’s story was recently featured on a Wichita TV station. He is known in his neighborhood as the beekeeper or the “bee man,” a title he has proudly worn for more than 50 years. His neighbors see him outside going from hive to hive collecting beeswax and honey, continuing an acitivity that may have been practiced first in ancient Egypt.
But as the reporter pointed out, something far greater is going on in Reuben’s house every day away from a watching world. Inside Reuben cares for Zelma his invalid wife, who is unable to do anything for herself. They have been married for 65 years. He says, “I thank God for the opportunity to care for someone” as he takes a moist towelette and wipes her mouth.
In my book Mind Change I have written:
“We need to understand the liberation of love. Love—that decision to take our eyes off ourselves and put them on others—liberates us from the ugly prison of selfishness where so many stay locked up.”
Reuben has learned that lesson. Some would see his life with Zelma and wonder if they could handle the burden. To Reuben it is no burden. His challenging circumstance is transformed into a blessed opportunity by an attitude of gratitude.
Why don’t we let the bee man teach us how to make life a lot sweeter?
This is an inspiring story. I have a son (only child) with special needs. A lot of times I think about, "I should've be doing other things if my child does not have disabilities. I love my child but I usually don't think of it like Reuben's way- being thankful of the opportunity to care for someone with special needs...
ReplyDeletethank you for this inspiring story,many times i have fallen victim of being selfish and not seeing other peoples needs,surely if christ did the same for me..he put his eyes on me i need to do the same to others,keep on praying for me
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