These Are For You!
by Jan Brinson
I am a senior lady. By all rights, in the economy of this fallen world, I must be finished. I must sit quietly in the corner with occasional nods tossed my way and be grateful for that bit of attention. It’s a lonely place.
I saw a video not long ago of a young man who walked down the street with a purpose. He looked for senior women he could bless. His blessing came in the form of the greeting, “Hello, beautiful, how are you today?” Most of the women hung their heads and shyly whispered a thank you. But before they could go further, he handed them a beautiful bouquet of flowers and said, “These are for you.” The shy, often sad look on their faces turned to pure joy and gratitude at the gesture of kindness and the recognition of their worth.
I had a similar, more comical, experience a few years ago. I was coming from my father’s senior living facility, feeling pretty down as it had been a hard day for him. I decided to stop at the grocery store on the way home. As I approached, I saw a young man ahead of me. He had one of the worst haircuts I had ever seen, and I remember feeling sorry for him and wondering who disliked him enough to give him such a cut. After saying a quick prayer of forgiveness for my uncharitable thoughts, I started into the store.
As I was entering the store this same young man grabbed my cart out of my hands and swept me into his arms and began to dance with me!! As we were dancing to the music that only he could hear, he said, “Isn’t this the most awful haircut you have ever seen?” And he began to laugh. I have to admit I was laughing too, and my response through my laughter was, “It’s okay, it will grow back!” He laughed again, danced me over to my empty cart and said “Thank you beautiful for this dance, have a wonderful day!” And he disappeared.
After that encounter, I felt so much better. I have always believed that young man was one of God’s angels sent to brighten my day when I was so down. I believe the young man with the flowers is an angel, too.
In Ruth 4:15, we are told that God will renew our lives and sustain us in our old age.
In Isaiah 46:4 God reminds us that even in our old age with gray hair, He will sustain, carry, and rescue us.
Isaiah 40:31reminds us that the Lord will renew the strength of those who hope in Him and we will soar on wings like eagles, not growing faint or weary.
In 2 Corinthians 4:16, we are reminded that even though outwardly we are wearing out inwardly, we are being renewed day by day.
These are pretty great promises for those of us who may be feeling weary on many days.
Father God, we come to you today and thank you for the promises in
Your Word. We pray that you will help us stay strong and not be weary, even when
some may count us out. We thank you for the sweet angels you put in our
path to remind us that we still have value as we walk this earth. Amen and Amen