Beatitudes for The Aged

[Perhaps each of us has read or heard this little piece before. It indeed is touching and makes a point. Let’s read with some degree of involvement and seek to determine how and when we might actually touch the life of the older person. We know that most people about whom this is written will never find joy and peace in eternity but will face a God who will bring every thought and word into Judgment, so let’s do all we can now to reach each person with the gospel, while we have the opportunity. RH]

Blessed are they who understand my faltering step and palsied hand.

Blessed are they who know that my ears today must strain to catch the things they say.

Blessed are they who seem to know that my eyes are dim and my wits are slow.

Blessed are they who looked away when coffee spilled at table today.

Blessed are they with a cheery smile who stop to chat for a little while.

Blessed are they who never say, “You’ve told that story twice today.”

Blessed are they who know the ways to bring back memories of yesterdays.

Blessed are they who make it known that I’m loved, respected and not alone.

Blessed are they who know I’m at a loss to find the strength to carry the Cross.

Blessed are they who ease the days on my journey Home in loving ways.

— Esther Mary Walker