FOODFORTHOUGHT

DRIED UP
By Marion Smith
September 13, 2010

Philippians 4:13I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.

Toward the end of summer last year 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@aol.com
comments and feedback welcome

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