Monday, March 12, 2012

Reach Out to The Elderly, Those Alone

When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Woman, he is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “She is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.

-- John 19:26-27

Last year a dear friend said she wanted to find someone to visit. Her mother lives far away and she rarely gets to see her. Her desire was to visit with someone who lives in our town who might have family living far away.

This request led to a new group dedicated to visiting our elderly church members, providing companionship and help. We have people who are able to drive seniors to doctor appointments or the grocery store. We have people who do yard work and handyman chores. Helping these dear individuals blesses all of us so much.

One of the saddest things to see is a senior citizen “put out to pasture.” As their health declines, their isolation increases. The senior centers spread throughout our area help. They can transport seniors to the facility for a meal and fellowship. When the senior reaches the point where that isn’t possible, they can deliver meals to the home.

But that only touches the tip of the problem. And it is a problem. When people feel alone, when they feel abandoned by the people around them, it’s easy to also feel that God has forgotten them too. It isn’t true but those feelings can lead to depression.

On a different level, those who are older and alone frequently have no way of getting things done. Many don’t have the money to pay someone to do the chores. Others don’t know who to call. Even something as simple as weeding the flower beds or scrubbing the bathroom really makes a difference.

I know. The family should do it. Sometimes they do what they can. Other times they prefer to ignore the elderly person or, at least, the needs. Why is it we sometimes have trouble seeing what is right in front of us? Other times the family members simply don’t live nearby. They can’t monitor the situation.

That’s where our volunteers come in. Recently one such person noticed that the yard of an elderly woman she visited was over grown. The woman’s son had recently had back surgery and could no longer do the yard for her. It was a simple fix. A group of boy scouts headed out one Saturday morning and it was done.

Jesus did more than tell his Mother she had gained a son named John. And Jesus did more than tell John that Mary was now his mother. Jesus gave us all a model for caring for the elderly amongst us. Now it’s up to us to do the rest.