Just as our nursing home sing-along was about to start, a lullaby played over the dining room speakers. This happens when a baby is born at the local hospital. A few of the residents looked at each other and smiled; a new life has begun.
As we enter our senior years, we discover just how unpredictable our lives can be. Everything seems to be the same-old-same-old, until we are surprised when it isn’t. Those times may be sudden illnesses, or the death of a loved one. When my wife Nancy and I visit a nursing home in our community, we sometimes arrive to sing on a Saturday, only to learn that a long-time resident passed away since our last visit. Come to think of it, almost everyone who lives in any nursing home is acutely aware that life is fragile.
Speaking of surprises, today, a lady in the back shouted, “Encore!” after we finished our last song. It’s our first ever in fifteen years! Later, as we walked around to say goodbye, a regular attendee asked for prayer. We happily obliged, but as soon as we said, “Amen,” another resident chimed in with a question “Why don’t you pray with us all?!”
I slowly picked up the microphone, asking God to give me the right words, and out came a scriptural blessing–one that I’ve recently memorized:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-25 (NIV)
After another hearty “Amen!,” a few residents looked at each other and smiled, remembering that though our personal lifetimes may be coming to an end, by God’s grace a blessed new one is about to begin!
Grant, most sweet and loving Jesus, that I may seek my repose in you… For my heart cannot rest fully content, until, rising above all gifts and every created thing, it rests in you.
Thomas aKempis
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ Prayers and love.
Photo by Vidal Balielo Jr. on Pexels.com
This piece was first published in the Sunshine Weekly Newsletter, a publication which is shared in nursing homes and assisted living centers. A special thank you to Peter Caligiuri, aka “Pastor Pete,” for inviting me to contribute a monthly column! Peter blogs at praise2worship.net
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