Jeremiah 31:13
Young women and young men, together with the elderly, will celebrate and dance, because I will comfort them and turn their sorrow into happiness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Everybody needs a little nurture and care once in a while, but two groups who are often overlooked are young people under the age of 30, and the elderly. Sometimes, we fail to realize how hard it is to be a kid, teenager, or young adult. These “youngsters” are in “the prime of their lives.” If you are in this age group, I bet at least one “adult” has told you, “You’ve got it made … things will never be easier than they are now.”
Conversely, we see elderly persons who are residing in assisted living facilities, retirement villages, and resort communities, and we think … “They are living the care-free life … enjoying their ‘Golden Years’.”
What we often don’t see are the heartaches and difficulties that young people face … from relationship issues to challenges with studies and extracurricular activities to peer pressure. We don’t pay attention to the worries and concerns of new college grads over getting a job, finding a place to live, and making a place for themselves in the world at large. We fail to see the stress and strain of newly married couples and parents who are trying to figure out their new roles and keep all the balls in the air.
As for the elderly, there are probably two major concerns: health (both physical and mental), and finances (will my pension and retirement funds cover all of my expenses?). Throw in worries and concerns about children and family, boredom, and the future … not to mention loneliness … and you have a recipe for great need.
Yes, everyone has worries, concerns and challenges that are unique to his/her particular age group. But often we go through life with blinders on and are so focused on our own lives that we fail to realize the needs of those around us, especially the young and the old … those on either end of the “employment spectrum,” so to speak.
My challenge today is for each of us to find a way to encourage and nurture at least two people – one “youngster” and one “senior.” This could be mailing a card, giving a hug, making a phone call, dropping off a hot loaf of bread or a plate of cookies, offering a ride home from school or to the grocery store, or sending an e-mail message to ask, “How ya doin’?” Ask God to direct you and show you how/where to reach out … who to place on your “radar screen.” Focus more on others than you do on yourself and see how God works to bring comfort and happiness to everyone … including you!
©2010 Debbie Robus
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