Some time ago, I was working on a dementia floor helping out some of the other nurses. There was one particular woman who was very confused. She was restless and continually wandered around, yet was too unsteady to walk on her own. I came down to the unit specifically to help this lady while the rest of the staff cared for the other residents.

I remember holding this dear soul’s hands in mine as I walked backwards, facing her as she shuffled along. I had taken care of her before, but never heard her speak a word. She never gave any response when I spoke to her. The only response she ever gave was that occasionally, in the past, if she happened to touch my hand, she would grasp it and bring it to her lips and give it a tender kiss. It seemed that the only thing that mattered to her anymore was human contact and love.

What was she like before?

That evening, as I had her hands in mine, I pondered her life. Who was she in years past? Who did she love? Who were the ones who had loved her? Suddenly I was overwhelmed with a feeling that this woman was very, very precious to God. Although her life here on earth had been reduced to only a confused wandering, in God’s eyes she was absolutely precious. She was His treasure.

I remember gazing at my patient’s gnarled frail hands with a sense of awe – much like the first time I saw my children’s tiny fingers. I was honored to be able to take care of this woman in the closing days of her very long life. Little did I know that she would die just a few days later.

In our moments of frailty, Jesus is there

Ever since that day I have truly appreciated the tender moments of frailty I have witnessed with the elderly. Whether I am removing their stockings, helping them brush their teeth, or transporting them through the hall in a wheelchair, I am honored to have the opportunity to take care of people who are so precious to God Himself.

I remembered the love that I sensed that evening as I drew the picture at the top of this article. The man’s hands represent Jesus’ own, tenderly caring for the lives and hearts of the frail and needy. Several years have now passed since I drew this. As I have faced many difficult situations, I have often found myself gazing upon this picture and feeling much like this elderly woman: lost, confused, and alone.

My heart has cried in desperation for the Lord to hold my hands and lead me along so that I wouldn’t fall, even when my heart was trembling and I didn’t know which way to turn. But God, in His loving kindness, always hears the cries of His children, and His outstretched arms have led me through the darkest of times. He, too, hears your cries, and is ready to lead you through your seasons of weakness and confusion. No matter how insufficient our strength and vision prove to be, Jesus truly is the One who can bring us safely through the darkness. He will take care of you.

The image above is the work of Jeannette Inman.  Used with permission.

Take the next step:
Ahh! I’m getting old!
Are you living life to the full?
Do you need God’s care today? How can we pray for you?