What is it like I wonder, to be old and in a nursing home where bible studies are no longer considered all that important. Just an activity to put on the calendar. You spent your last twenty or thirty years reading and studying your bible. It gave you such joy and strength during the difficult times. Like when your daughter was suddenly taken ill with cancer and you watched her slowly die from this illness. Then your husband was taken in a sudden car accident by a drunk driver. It felt so meaningless and your faith wavered for a bit. But there were your church friends to encourage you, pray with you and read passages in God's word to help you cope with the loss and pain.
But here you are; in your eighties, in a nursing home, due to poor health and needing assistance with your daily care. You came in with your beliefs and faith; but slowly, over time, people from your church quit visiting. They found it "too depressing" to be in "those places." With your failing eyesight you are unable to read the bible sitting at your bedside table; or perhaps your family members forgot how important it was to you and never brought it in. After all, you are unable to speak clearly since your stroke so they believe falsely that you don't need your bible.
The days continue to go by and soon you have forgotten your favorite verses. Your mind begins to wander more and in your loneliness. The staff forgets to come get you and assist you to the Christian bible study, not knowing how important that was in your life. Out of desperation and loneliness you accept the visitor from another religion. In a couple weeks she offers to study and read with you. Why not? She is a proper lady and knows the bible well. And she is willing to pray with you! She see's past your wrinkled face and drooping mouth. She only sees a lost soul needing to be saved. You know you are going to heaven. But let her believe what she beleives, at least she is company. And oh how nice it is to have someone sit with you and talk to you about your savior. So what if she doesn't believe in Christ as you do; at least she is willing to sit and pray; read the bible and to talk to you about her belief in Jehovah. I mean really, does it really matter at this stage in your life what you call God? No more loneliness. Once again God is in your heart. Your newfound faith is giving you the strength and encouragement you need in these times of pain and confusion and loneliness.
I am sorry. I am sorry that your church family no longer visits and shares the joys of Christ with you. I am sorry you have no one to come read the bible to you as you are used to reading it; to share your own faith with you. I am sure you understand how busy we all are; with work, family and other important things to get done. But I am most sorry that you have known about the love and forgiveness of Christ and now, when you are so close to meeting with God, you may never have the chance. May our Lord forgive me for being too busy for you. May He show me who you are and lead me to you. I want to read the bible and talk about the love of Christ. That is my passion. And I will be looking forward to meeting you very soon to read it to you!
May we both be blessed in the coming year through Christ as we simply read what God's word says and let Him remind you of what you know.
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I pray that the Lord may begin to open our hearts to reach those who throughout their lives have poured themselves on us. May we never forget them and the love that Christ has for them.
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