"Finally, all of you, live in
harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and
humble." - 1 Peter 3:8
Patrick Bouvier Kennedy was born prematurely on August
7, 1963. His father, President John F. Kennedy, knew his second son's chances of
survival were slim. Young Patrick had a lung ailment and he was rushed by
ambulance to Children's Medical Center in Boston. The President visited the
hospital four times a day worrying about his wife Jackie while being concerned
about the baby as well.
On the night of August 8, Kennedy decided to sleep at
the hospital to be near the baby. Around two o'clock in the morning, the
President was awaken and told that Patrick's condition was taking a bad turn. As
the President was waiting for the elevator, he saw a baby boy in a room that was
badly burned. He asked the night nurse how it happened, and how many times the
mother came to see the baby. The nurse answered "everyday." He then asked for
her name and while his own son was down stairs dying, the President stopped to
write a note to the lady telling her not to give up faith, and to keep up her
courage.
Then for the next two hours, the President kept a
lonely vigil over his son until he died and then Kennedy wept.
If a mere man-even a president-can show love and
concern to an unknown child while his own son was dying, how much more will our
infinite Father in heaven take concern in us. Today in prayer, thank God that He
loves you and His compassion is infinite towards you.
"Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow
back and soften and purify the heart." - Washington Irving
God's Word: "As you know, we consider blessed those
who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the
Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." - James
5:11
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2003, Devotional E-Mail
DEVOTIONS IN THE BOOKS OF PETER
pkennedy@devotional.com
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