From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
Several months ago, I was leading a service at an area nursing home.
Each week the staff and volunteers help to wheel people in their chairs to the service and by the time we are set to begin the room is full.
This week was no different.
I don’t know everyone’s name who attends, but I do know a few.
I tease a few but others I just simply greet them by name or make a remark about their warm smile or singing voice.
Evelyn, a lady in her late 90’s whom I have known for several years, comes each week, brought there by her daughter.
Due to her dementia Evelyn doesn’t recognize me anymore, but I recognize her, so on this day I say, “Evelyn, it is so good to see you!”
She smiles and then turns and says something to her daughter while I carry on with the service.
But after the service her daughter lets me know that calling Evelyn by name had an impact.
She just could not get over how I knew her and then pleasantly greeted her by name.
“He knew my name!” she exclaimed to her daughter.
I have learned a few things in my 37 years of pastoring, and one of those things is that some people, as they age, start to feel insignificant.
They are no longer in the prime of their life where others depended on them or looked forward to seeing them.
Some whom I have visited in long term care facilities have very few visitors.
They must wonder at times if anyone even cares about them.
Oh, and it’s not just seniors in nursing homes, either.
There are lots of lonely and hurting people out there feeling insignificant, yet a kind word or listening ear or even the mention of their name spawns hope for them.
Do you know someone who could use something like that this week?
Okay, then, you have your marching orders!
