The Pruning, The Perfecting, & The Polishing Up

Watching my parents age has been an interesting and sometimes painful experience. My dad told me last week that he doesn't intend to drive anymore because his macular degeneration has done sufficient damage that he questions his driving abilities. My once hard-working mother sometimes spends her entire day in bed, and sometimes shies away and hides from people and situations that are just too hard... Suggesting that her old confidences are no more.

I have a theory about this. You see, my parents have always been faithful to God with their time and their giving. But like most of us - the rich of the world - they are also very proud and independent. But in old age my parents' pride and independence... Their basic confidences are quickly eroding.

The Lord started a good work in them many years ago... And I believe I can see His mercy as my parents' steps become more unsure day by day... I think He is being faithful, completing the work He started... As their eyes turn from a now painful, difficult pilgrimage to a new home that is becoming more real and desirable every day.

My sister and I have new responsibilities, so we are being worked on, too. We have a new appreciation of how our mother cared for her mother when she was old and failing.

Maybe our nursing homes are places of intense pruning and perfecting as God polishes up his servants... Gently, and sometimes not-so-gently, prying their hands away from a world they loved perhaps a little too much... As He faithfully completes His work... Getting them ready for their trip home.

....