Growing Older

A Weaned Child

/ pastorpete51 / 1 Comment

But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2 ESV

Most of us who have been parents read this verse and remember battles with our children as we tried to get them off the bottle and onto baby food. But when I was in Bible College (which feels like a thousand years ago) one professor who was a Palestinian gave us a different perspective. He explained that in the Middle East, when a mother felt that it was time for their child to start on solid food they would smear something bitter on their breast just as meal time rolled around. Once Junior got a taste of that they would pull back in surprise and cry. Then the mom would offer something to eat.

Photo by Lombe Jr. on Pexels.com

But of course babies who are used to breast feeding don’t want anything except for sweet milk. According to our professor that process sometimes went on for more than a day until finally the child in exhaustion just rested on his mother and began to accept a tiny bit of rice or banana.  What seemed like punishment to the child was actually for their good. It is not that the milk was bad but that the solid food was better. Now looking back I can see how God has worked with me. Friends left behind, the death of my parents and the struggles of growing older have sometimes left me bitterly complaining and wishing for the good old days. But the good news is that God not only takes away, He also gives. In exchange for the sweet milk we lose, He gives us a deeper trust in His care and a confidence in the great embrace of God as we rest on His everlasting arms!

Bella’s Song -Update

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For those of you who read about Bella’s song a few weeks back here is an update and a video of her song. May you have a blessed week-end!

pastorpete51's avatarWalking With Lambs

As I shared last month; one of our residents was excited about sharing this song which she wrote back in 1990. Since the only available recording was on a cassette tape

(This is a cassette – for those of the younger generation}

person holding cassette Photo by Stas Knop on Pexels.com

So Bella agreed that we could record a video version of her song during our Friday morning singing time at Life Care Center. Bear in mind that I recorded this copyrighted song with her permission so if you should share or wish to record this yourself you will need to seek out the proper channels for doing so.

Whenever we minister at Nursing Homes always remember that not only Bella; but every resident whom we are called to serve has a story and abilities and value. One part of our ministry is not only to bless them; but to recognize and receive…

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Who is My Family?

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Some of today’s worst homelessness is not found with folks camping on the streets; though you would think so if you watched Fox News, CNN or even your own local station. Here in the USA there are 1.5 million people living in long term care institutions, who while they are not out out on the street are certainly not living at home. Though for the most part they are fed and clothed; they struggle with loneliness; depression and even bitterness as much as anyone in a encampment. The answer to this part of the homeless crisis will never be found unless we as a society and more importantly; we as the church of Jesus Christ begin to ask the right question. One of the most famous stories of Jesus resulted from the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Instead we need to be asking  “Who is my family?” Family is the first place we should be able to find help and the last place we should be rejected but sadly in 21st century western society this is becoming more and more uncommon. But God values family and especially the most fragile members of it so highly that he packed one of His Ten Commandments together with a promise if we kept it.

Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 5:16

Some one once said that what matters is not how many years are in our life but how much life is in our years. Years spent alone in a long term care facility may be necessary for the physical care of some of our family members; but it cannot be a substitute for family. The United States Department on Aging tells us 70% of our seniors on long term care never receive a single visit all year. As a long time chaplain in many different Nursing Homes I can attest to the fact that if we raised the number from 0 visits to just three per year it would sadly include more than 90% of Mothers and Fathers struggling through their final chapters alone.

Remember Jesus said that being a true neighbor was not about living next door to someone but about showing compassion. The same holds true for family. You might not have a Mom or Dad in long term care but there are plenty there who would be delighted if you treated them like family. This week why not peel away a little time from the TV and ask our Father in Heaven how you can be a son or daughter to someone alone whose family is not there.

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