Caring for an aging parent
For the ones who care for others, and need care themselves.
Also for aging parent · elderly mother · elderly father · caring for mum · caring for dad · parents getting old · role reversal · nursing home · filial duty · looking after my parents · old age
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety toward their own family and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
Even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. Yes, I will carry, and will deliver.
Don’t reject me in my old age. Don’t forsake me when my strength fails.
Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you, and to return from following you, for where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.
A prayer
Original writing, not a quotation of Scripture.
Lord, the people who once took care of me now need me to take care of them. It's strange and tender and exhausting. Help me honor my parents in the small things: the medicine schedule, the repeated stories, the appointments that take a whole afternoon.
Give me patience when they're frustrated with their own limits. You promised to carry them even in old age. Carry me as I carry them.
In Jesus' name, Amen.