Even when they’re safely settled in a nice nursing home, the elderly often have more than their fair share of worries.
There are those whose memories are slipping so precipitously that they’re in a constant state of uncertainty and fear. There are others who suffer from diseases that are not yet unbearably painful, but might become so next week or next month. Then there are those whose intellects are intact but can no longer communicate even a simple “yes” or “no” – and still others who are lost in loneliness, all but abandoned by children who always have more important things to do than visiting Mom or Dad.
And that’s just a sampling of the cares plaguing the residents of today’s nursing homes. Just imagine how difficult life must be for some of them. Then think about what you might be able to do to make their lives a little brighter, simply by visiting a few of them regularly.
Sometimes just talking through his or her troubles is enough to alleviate an elderly resident’s most pressing fears. Now and then you’ll even be able to resolve a particularly stubborn problem by bringing it to the attention of the right nurse or social worker.
But perhaps the greatest contribution you can make to an elderly person’s peace of mind is to lift up his or her cares to the Great Physician Himself – especially by petitioning Him together.
As the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” The promised result? “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
It’s true; fervent prayer always seems to calm a troubled but trusting spirit. And when you take the time to help the elderly talk with the Lord, you too can reap tremendous rewards.
If you have a little time and a little love to spare, why wait? Contact the Activities Director at a nearby nursing home today and ask if there's a resident who could really use a new friend.
There are those whose memories are slipping so precipitously that they’re in a constant state of uncertainty and fear. There are others who suffer from diseases that are not yet unbearably painful, but might become so next week or next month. Then there are those whose intellects are intact but can no longer communicate even a simple “yes” or “no” – and still others who are lost in loneliness, all but abandoned by children who always have more important things to do than visiting Mom or Dad.
And that’s just a sampling of the cares plaguing the residents of today’s nursing homes. Just imagine how difficult life must be for some of them. Then think about what you might be able to do to make their lives a little brighter, simply by visiting a few of them regularly.
Sometimes just talking through his or her troubles is enough to alleviate an elderly resident’s most pressing fears. Now and then you’ll even be able to resolve a particularly stubborn problem by bringing it to the attention of the right nurse or social worker.
But perhaps the greatest contribution you can make to an elderly person’s peace of mind is to lift up his or her cares to the Great Physician Himself – especially by petitioning Him together.
As the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” The promised result? “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
It’s true; fervent prayer always seems to calm a troubled but trusting spirit. And when you take the time to help the elderly talk with the Lord, you too can reap tremendous rewards.
If you have a little time and a little love to spare, why wait? Contact the Activities Director at a nearby nursing home today and ask if there's a resident who could really use a new friend.
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