It Costs Nothing To Care

Along our seafront there is small nursing home converted from an old house. Residing there is a lady named Joan. She is one of the most faithful people that I know, as well as being one of the most elderly. Crippled by arthritis she now lives out her life serving as a listening ear. Joan has little tangible items to share with others, but she gives freely of what she has. She spends hours listening to the other residents and to those who ostensibly care for her and its easy to see why people trust her. 
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Older people in biblical times were recognised and valued for their wisdom in a way that has largely been lost today. There is a story in Luke's Gospel about how the infant Jesus was recognised by two older people: 
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’There was in the Temple a man whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout. And there was the prophetess Anna who was of a great age.. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day.’ In their later years these two elderly people spent most of their time just looking and listening, simply watching for signs of God's activity. They made the time and they had the patience to be very attentive to the smallest signs of hope. Both Simeon and Anna knew who Jesus was instantly and they prayed over him and thanked God for him.
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In a world where we often devalue the gifts of the elderly and encourage people to delay their retirement, it is good to be reminded of the importance of taking time just to notice what is happening in our lives.
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Lord God, You are patient and wise and You always hear our prayers. Help us to use the time we are given well. Thank You for those who listen to and encourage. Help us to cherish the gifts of wisdom and serenity and to be attentive to the need of others today. Amen

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