Growing Older

Caregivers Devotional

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It has occurred to me over the 30 plus years of nursing home ministry how few good resources there are for those in what I have come to call the “Long Term Care Community”. That long term care community includes all of us who are family members, residents, staff or volunteers at a nursing home, assisted living facility or large group home. We share a common culture and set of difficulties and challenges that are unique. One part of that community that has been getting a little more press over the last couple of years are those who are commonly called caregivers. But who is a caregiver? Is it the nurse who oversees the ward? Is it the family member who cares for their mom or dad at home or visits regularly at a nursing home? In a small way almost all of us are caregivers including the resident who encourages and prays for their room mate.

Grace for the Road is a small devotional reader dedicated to the hundreds of nursing home residents for whom I have had the honor of singing, praying for and becoming friends with over the years. Together we; along with our families and the staff who work in long term care facilities form a community. We share a common bond and a unique way of seeing the world. Our great hope is that Jesus understands our weaknesses our cares and even our fears. He was not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters and best of all He bows down to listen to our whispered prayers.  Grace for the Road image

These 31 daily readings are messages of the love that God offers to each and every one of us. If we will simply reach out to touch the hem of His garment He promises to give us grace for the road that we travel with Him. Available today in standard, large print or e-book formats.

Grace for the Road – Paperback

Grace for the Road – Large Print Edition

Growing Older Praying

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But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. Luke 1:13

We often forget as we read Luke chapter one about the life of John the Baptist’s parents, that God was concerned for the needs of this elderly couple. Maybe in old age they had all but forgotten their prayer for children, but God had not. God had heard their prayer. God was still working on the answer. They didn’t have to follow some special formula. Zacharias and Elizabeth simply needed to remain faithful to what God had given them to do.

Last week we lost our dear friend Helen. She lived 91 wonderful years and remained the listening ear and encouraging voice for her family for all the many years that we knew her. Though Helen was not a Bible-thumper but she did hold an unwavering  desire for her family to know Jesus Christ. She was quiet when others raised their voices. She was gentle when folks were fighting. Helen continued praying for her children and grandchildren. Now that she is gone; she leaves behind the legacy that all six children have made a commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The grandchildren have wandered and it may be that she now sits alongside of Jesus quietly reminding Him to continue interceding for them also.

KIMG1000

Helen sharing a moment with my wife

In the same way all of us who have grown older without seeing the answer to things for which we have prayed can be encouraged that God also remembers us. Neither age nor weakness changes God’s ability to answer prayer. It doesn’t matter how many years pass. When we are praying something in God’s will for our lives He hears us. We are never out of warranty!  Miracles can still happen because God never gives up, never forgets and never forsakes us. Don’t be afraid. He has heard your prayer!

Taking Care of Mom

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Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.   John 19:27 ESV

Jesus struggled to breath and nails pinned his hands and feet to wooden boards behind him and the crown of thorns pressed down around his head; but in the middle of his suffering Jesus was thinking about his mom. As the oldest son it was his responsibility to make sure she was taken care of. At that moment there was only a small cluster of friends and family around Him and when He saw John next to Mary His choice of caregiver was made.

As a result of John’s new responsibility we find later on that his ministry was far less public than some of the others. Peter became the chief spokesman for the church and Paul traveled all over the world as a missionary, but John stayed home. He was taking care of Mary. Now of course there is nothing wrong with people serving as evangelists and missionary leaders; but God has called some of us to care for those closer to home. Did you know that according to U. S. government statistics; 70% of those in long term care will not receive a single visit this year? Just like Mary, they are Jesus’ mother, older sister and brother. Father’s day passes and no one even calls. Mother’s day arrives and they do not get a flower or a hug or a kiss unless someone hears the call of Jesus and is willing to go. Why not take a moment and ask God if you could be that someone today?

Recently our pastor accompanied me at my nursing home ministry and mad this short video to encourage others to answer God’s call in our own communities. I pray that your heart will be touched and that this Christmas you find a way to reach out and share the love of Jesus Christ to Jesus’ mother and sister and brother in your own town,God bless