The Quiet Wait

John 21:18 – I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." (NIV)

When you visit a hospital or a nursing home, have you ever noticed just how quiet it can be? Life's struggles have overcome the measure of strength in persons now spending time waiting in older age.

Often we never give aging a thought. We tend to hide it from our minds, or take the other approach: to make certain that we will never be a burden to family or friends. Sometimes we are sure that we will never be dependent on or disrupt the lives of others in our old age.

Oh, that we could know the future, when we might be disabled or brought down in illness, which can come swiftly and without warning: a sudden heart attack, a stroke, a terminal illness with no turning back.

We can find ourselves in a position never thought of — but God has His mighty hand upon us, numbering our days left here on earth. Whether long or short, we have no choice but to wait.

No matter the plans we make or the struggles we have, God is above all. He has the master plan. Though we do not intend to be a burden to anyone, sometimes we have no choice.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as we grow older in body and possibly in mind, be ever near us. Bind up the pain we suffer, with love and kindness. Comfort all in hospitals and nursing homes, and all needing Your tender care. Help us to have wisdom, in this season of life, to understand the helplessness there is in the quiet wait to Your kingdom. Give us strength to endure to the end. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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