A few years ago, I was sitting in the mall enjoying my freshly squeezed drink when something suddenly caught my attention and I was greatly disturbed. A young man passed by rolling an old man on a wheelchair. He rolled the wheelchair to the side of the bench and sat down to look at his phone without even once looking up to check on the old man or to speak to him. I don’t know if the young man was a caregiver or a relative, but I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the old man, who seemed to long for some social interaction. Even though outwardly he seemed to be well taken care of yet inwardly he was neglected.
But I’m so thankful that God is nothing like that young man. I love The Message paraphrase of Isaiah 46:4, “I’ve been carrying you on my back from the day you were born, and I’ll keep on carrying you when you’re old. I’ll be there, bearing you when you’re old and gray. I’ve done it and will keep on doing it, carrying you on my back, saving you.” Our heavenly Father promises to be with us and care for us even when we’re old and grey. The One who made us won’t abandon us. He will carry us and continue to speak to us. My grandmother, who is well looked after by everyone in every way, treasures the alone time she now has with the Lord and I’m sure He does too.
Rising with the Son 