Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. Genesis 48:10 ESV
They barely remember our name and struggle to recall where they are. The hands, once strong and able that provided for us, protected us and even at times disciplined us now hang limply at their sides. What is the use of visiting, when they will not remember it an hour from now? Those are hard but very real questions we may struggle with if we have a parent in memory care.
Genesis 48:10 ESV Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them.
But God remembers them and like Jacob, they still hold the blessings for our children in their hands. Rather than simply pity them, or stay away in discouragement and sorrow, let us go remembering that God has designed this chapter in their lives to still have purpose. Remember that after Jesus was born, he was brought by Mary and Joseph to the temple. There Jesus received blessings from, Simeon and Anna, the two oldest members of the community.
Those who are least respected by a society weary of caring for its elderly, are highly honored by God. These weakened by infirmity and age have been entrusted with the blessing for our children. Why should we care about memory care? Because Jesus does and He remembers them and sees when each one falls.
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An excellent reminder, Pastor Pete, of a problem that’s too easy to gloss over in today’s busy culture. Worse, we see other nations passing laws to end the lives of the very people who helped build their societies. We can’t let that happen in the US. Let’s take a stand. Each of us can help. There are many opportunities. We can reciprocate the love and care Jesus gave to us.
So true Grant. And we also are missing the blessings they have to give us. These are blessings you can’t put in the bank, but will outlast and outperform any investment on Wall street!
Nancy and I used to minister in a memory care unit. Sometimes, I didn’t want to go, because it was hard to see the residents struggle. However, every single time I went on in I came out more blessed than when we started! Many folks who no longer know who they are can still sing the old hymns with a smile.
Amen brother Dave, Though I go, not for the blessings, I am convinced that blessings far beyond just feeling blessed have come my way because of time with my friends in memory care. They hold secrets in their hearts that only Jesus knows about and are precious in His sight.