BLESSED ARE THEY...

Living in a retirement community, one sees mostly older folks, the exception being an occasional visiting young family or favored grandchildren. Retired folks like to laugh, even at themselves, and have their own brand of humor. Recently I saw a video of an invocation given by an older person (see website below) whose message and deadpan delivery were hilarious. Near the end of her invocation she quoted a poem by Esther Mary Walker, which goes as follows:

"BEATITUDES FOR FRIENDS OF THE AGED"
  Blessed are they who understand my faltering steps and shaky hand.
Blessed are they who know my ears today must strain to hear the things they say.
Blessed are they who seem to know that my eyes are dim and my thoughts are slow.
Blessed are they who looked away when coffee was spilled at dinner today.
Blessed are they with a cheery smile who take the time to chat for awhile.
Blessed are they who never say, "You've told that story twice today".
Blessed are they who know the way to bring back memories of yesterday.
Blessed are they who make it known I'm loved, respected and not alone.
Blessed are they who ease the days of my journey home in loving ways.

I like that poem, especially the line about hearing a story told more than once. With such healthy and active older people these days, it's easy to forget they really do become less able and more frail as they age.

God in His Word honors the aged person, and urges us to do the same in the Fourth Commandment. Besides commanding us to respect our elders, God gives many examples of blessing the world through older people: Hannah, Elizabeth and Sarah gave the world very important children in their advanced age. Abraham, Jacob, and Simeon are examples of old men honored by God in later life.

Leviticus 19:32 tells us, "Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God." Older people cannot demand respect of others, but, like everyone, should seek to earn it. Most older folks truly appreciate it when people are sensitive to their needs. Patience and attention are wonderful gifts to give an aged person. 

The older we grow, the more we can see God's abundant blessings!