Meeting People Where They Are

Aging is inevitable because it is part of the life cycle that each of us has to face. Today's verse tells us that God knows the direction and the outcome of each person's life. Over the years, I have had the privilege of being able to … Read more

Isaiah 46:4 – Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (NIV)

Aging is inevitable because it is part of the life cycle that each of us has to face. Today's verse tells us that God knows the direction and the outcome of each person's life.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of being able to visit many individuals who live in retirement homes and assisted living facilities. Not everyone faces the same challenges, but they are all together in the same boat, encountering the winter of their lives. Most of those whom I visit are living in their own little world, and that is where we should meet them.

Previously, I shared with you my family's story about my mother's journey through dementia, a devastating disease not only for the affected individuals but also for the entire family and close friends. Dementia robs the person of their memories and their ability to live a healthy normal lifestyle on their own.

After our mother settled down in her assisted living facility, we became like new friends, as she shared great, vivid, previously unheard stories with me. As the disease progressed, her outlandish and surprising stories stopped, and I missed both her stories and our renewed friendship. The conversations that my mother and I shared during the various stages of her dementia were priceless. They still bring a smile to my face. Although our mother isn't aware of her surroundings, she still knows that she is loved when she is spoken to on the phone or in person.

Psalm 71:18 – Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. (NIV)

We show gratitude and love for our aged parents when we care for them, returning the gift of their care for us as children. If our parents are still young or are no longer with us, we can reach out to others who are in the same situation as my mother and who may not have any family who will visit and care for them.

It is essential that we meet each person where they are in life because we know who they are, even if they don't remember who they are anymore. This attention will bring praise to our heavenly Father, for Jesus told us that when we visit someone who is sick or infirm, we do it as to Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help us to meet others wherever they are in their lives today. Give us grace, strength, patience, and understanding during these tough times. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for opening the doors of our hearts with love while we care for them. Amen.