The last time I went to Texas I saw a field full of wild Black Eyed Susan
flowers. A few of them were still in bloom- so pleasing to behold as they swayed
in the warm Texas breeze. Most of them, however, were withered, brown and dried
up .They weren’t as attractive to look at without the pretty petals, but they
still served a purpose. Their time of beauty to the eye was over, but in
nature’s miraculous plan, there remained a design and a use for them. They were
still needed, for the seeds in the center of each flower would feed many a bird
and these seeds would also drop to the ground to propagate new growth.
I have visited many elderly people in retirement and nursing homes , and know a
few elderly people from our church. Some of these folks feel so useless- they
thinks they are burdens to their family and society ,and that they have no worth
at all.
This makes my heart sad, because I believe God still has a purpose for their
lives, even if their bodies are failing. If their minds are alert, they can be
prayer warriors. They can encourage others in the facility where they live- or-
even to visitors. The can be good listeners for others who need to share burdens
or joys and they can share their faith with others.
At one time I regularly visited an elderly lady living in a nursing home. My
motive was to bring a little happiness into her life and give her a visitor to
look forward to seeing on a regular basis. Once again!- God gave me the
blessing! For I learned so much from this lovely lady: how to age gracefully,
how to share your faith, and how to be thankful for each day God gives you.
The life expectancy of people today is much longer than even 10 years ago. We
should pray for our elderly relatives, acquaintances and church members that
they would never feel “dried up” and useless.
Marion Smith noles65@aolo.com
Comments and feedback welcome
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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