WHEN PARENTS GET OLD

Parents when they get old, like any other old person, most probably, will become grumpy, complaining and critical. They want to talk on every subject. They will be impatient, and can’t wait for long. Please, let us never ever get worked up and disturbed, with our old parents.

What goes through their hearts and mind, is something that we need to perceive, and then respond with patience, love and gentleness. It is not easy, but it is important. It is important because this is also part of the command, “Honour your father and mother” – Exodus 20:12.

Let us remember, that they have been the bread winners, and were always in a giving position, all their lives. It is difficult, to see themselves in such a state, where for everything and anything, they need help, and assistance. It kills them many times, before their final call. So we are called to be sensitive, loving, gentle and patient with our aging parents.

The Word of God has these words on old parents and widows – “4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them [the children and grandchildren] first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.” “8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” – 1 Timothy 5:4,8. Enduring Word Commentary comments thus on this passage – “Let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents reminds us of the ongoing responsibility adult children have towards their parents and grandparents.”

Let us not get impatient and abandon our old parents, just because, they have become a “burden” for the family. What a pity and tragedy it is, if we are to think on those lines, regarding the people who gave birth to us, and have contributed for our growth? May the LORD help us.