1 Timothy 5:7-8
Tell all of this to everyone, so they will do the right thing. People who don't take care of their relatives, and especially their own families, have given up their faith. They are worse than someone who doesn't have faith in the Lord.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today is the birthday of a dear friend of mine named Jean. I am not sure of Jean’s age, but it’s somewhere around 95. Jean and her husband, Jim, who is 95 or better, still live in their own home. She is a former nurse… Jim a former airline pilot. Jean and Jim never had children. Nieces, nephews, other family members and friends “see after” them… as much as Jean and Jim will allow!
I admit, I do not “see after” Jean and Jim like I should. They have been my dear friends for almost 25 years, and they are members of my church. They are part of my “church family” even if they are not related by blood, and I should check in with them more often.
And that brings me to the point of today’s devotional. It’s very easy for younger people to get busy with their own lives and families… and frankly, to become self-absorbed… and to forget about – or neglect – older people who live and work alongside them. I recently spoke with the mother of one of my friends, and she said, “We don’t see children at church any more, and it breaks my heart.” The children are attending a more contemporary service that meets at a different hour, and many of the older church members attend a traditional service, so they have little opportunity to interact with younger members. Clearly, this represents a need that must be addressed… and one that may have become commonplace in many church congregations.
If you want to see the power of “youth” in action, visit a nursing home and take a baby, a puppy, or a kitten. The faces of the residents will instantly light up at the sight of “young life.” We tend to get tunnel vision quite often… to focus on people who are in our own circle – or our own age – and we toss others… especially those who are older… to the curb. If you read further in 1 Timothy 5, you will see that there are admonitions to honor Jesus by caring for our grandparents, our widows and widowers, and older adults. When we show them respect and care, we are honoring God and His love for us.
The last time I did laundry, I discovered that the underarm seam of one of my husband’s t-shirts had come undone. My husband has dozens of t-shirts, and I seriously considered tossing this one into the rag bin. But there was still a lot of good “wear” left in the shirt, and a few stitches on my sewing machine could patch the torn seam. As I looked at this shirt, I thought of how we treat others in everyday life. I considered how we sometimes toss people – especially older adults - and their needs into the “rag bin” and focus on newer, prettier, more seemingly useful folks.
We need to wake up! We need to realize that older adults are not only important, wise and worthy of our time and attention… but we are called by God to attend to them! Who do you need to contact today? Do you have a family member – or a church family member – who needs to hear from you? If you are older… have you reached out to those who are younger and let them know you are willing to be a mentor and friend… that you still want to be engaged in the activities of their lives? In God’s family, there are no age barriers… these have been imposed by humans. It’s up to us to remove them… in Jesus’ name. Where will you begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label elderly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elderly. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 9, 2010
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
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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