"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13 v 34-35.
Have you read any of the recent research about loneliness in the elderly?
Seventy five percent of over 75's feel lonely all or most of the time. For many elderly people in our society the television is the main provider of company. I have often visited older people in their homes as part of my job and many times been horrified at the isolation of their lives. Whilst this is obviously not true for all older people it seems to be becoming more of an issue due to the mobility of people perhaps due to job requirements as well as family breakdown. Recently I had to visit an elderly person who required social care to be put in place urgently. This was not going to be available for a few days and I was very concerned as to how this person would manage. Then the offer came that there were friends from a local church who were willing to help out with twice daily meals until social care could start. As I left the house I reflected on Gods grace and goodness to this elderly person and what a fantastic witness this was to non believers. Jesus' command to us came to mind. As a church we want to be conspicuous and distinctive for Christ. The way we love one another can demonstrate that. We are to love one another as Christ loved us; sacrificially, in humility, putting others needs first. When it comes to demonstrating His love to the older saints amongst us we can all make a difference. Many of us could deliver a meal, whether we cook it ourselves or buy it, we can send a card, and perhaps most helpful of all, we can spend time with someone. Part of alleviating loneliness is alleviating aloneness. By our presence we can demonstrate our love and care. Many older people would enjoy a visit from a young mum, even when the baby cries!
However, the reality is that by visiting older ladies we are not just serving them, we personally also have much to gain.
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self- controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Tit 2 v 3-5.
My grandmother was housebound for the last few years of her life and she was often visited by much younger women. These women brought her real joy as she shared cups of tea, a good chat and words from scripture with them. However after speaking to many of them at her funeral I realised that they felt that they themselves were the primary beneficiaries of those visits. A life steeped in scripture and based on a fervent love for Jesus was able to offer insight and wisdom into the lives and problems of women decades younger. The promise to pray was an encouragement and followed up by concerned and caring questioning at the next visit.
These friendships between the older and younger members of our church body help build up and encourage each other in our faith as well as demonstrating to the world that we are disciples of Christ.
If you would like to discuss this further, have any questions about who to visit or would like to volunteer to help out at the monthly seniors lunch club, speak to Catherine Burrows or Rachel Sloan via the church office.
