“They left me here and I haven’t seen them since.”
That was from the disturbing devotional thought I read today courtesy of Our Daily Bread. It was the story of a man who was taken to a nursing home years before by his daughter, who left him saying, “We are going to a nice hotel,” and he hasn’t seen her since. My heart ached for that man. It is also clearly a case for elder abuse. The story went on to say that this man was still traumatized by this act of callousness by his daughter.
To be honest, I don’t know all the facts of why she did what she did. Payback? Revenge? Greed? Who knows? What I do know is no one, and I mean NO ONE, deserves to be treated like that. I know a woman whose sister is a raging alcoholic in a nursing facility, but she makes efforts to visit her. Sadly, the sister does not and cannot reciprocate.
The story of the man got me to thinking though of the many others who are treated like that. Not just in a nursing home. But in daily life. How many people cross my path on a daily basis who are lonely? Hurting? Confused? Abused? People can be in a crowd and still be lonely. Do I see them? I must truthfully answer, “Sometimes I don’t.” I don’t think it is on purpose, although I do tend to look the other way when I see panhandlers on busy exits and street corners. The horror stories of what they really have cause me to shy away. But aside from them, do I really see people?
“Father, help me to have Your heart and Your eyes to see people as you see them. If they are lonely, help me to see to give them a hand up or a shoulder to lean on.”
What about you?
I too struggle with pan handlers and wanderers because experience has taught me that money is not the answer for many. I know something inside them needs attention, but I often don’t know what that is or how to react. 😞
My thoughts as well Pam, but I also know that some of them are hucksters and just don’t wan to work and so they live off the kindness of others.
Am I noticing others in need? Am I truly compassionate and caring? Great, and hard,questions to ask ourselves as we begin the New Year, Bill.
Blessings!
I am asking myself those same questions Martha. Thanks for the blessing and I pray you and Danny have a fantastic year living for Him!
Father, help me to slow down and pay attention to those hurting around me. Often I pray for someone as I am passing them but they would never know it. Help me to stop and offer to pray for them, to give them some kind words so that You can be glorified. Let my actions lift up Your kingdom, slow me down Lord, give me a loving caring heart that reflects Your love in us to those hurting souls. 1Timothy 1:17
Very wise prayer Gail. Asking Him to slow us down and see.