Margaret raised an eyebrow but didn’t say a word.
Today’s Thoughts
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
PSALM 9:10
As long as I remember your name and call upon it, I’ll be okay, Lord. And, of course, you never forget my name. Thank you!
72
Our Know-It-All Friend
“Want to watch a movie?” Martin asked his wife.
“Sure. What do you have in mind?” Pam replied.
“I don’t know. Something we can get into.”
“Like one about WWII, right?” Pam asked.
Martin noticed her frown. “What’s wrong with that?”
“We won the war, dear! Move on.”
“I suppose you want to watch a ‘chick flick’ where the guy and gal are all lovey-dovey.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“They’re all the same. Girl flirts and connives until she gets the guy, loses the guy when he gets scared, and then gets him. End of story.”
“That sounds pretty sarcastic. I seem to remember the plot differently. It’s boy meets girl. Boy loses girl because he doesn’t treat her right. Girl leaves. Boy chases girl. Boy repents and promises to change. Girl believes him. Boy proposes. Boy and girl get married. That’s how we got together, isn’t it? It’s an age-old plot. It’s what people like. And it has a happy ending. Viewers like that too.”
“How about a movie about WWII that includes a boy meets girl loses girl gets girl in the end? Then we’ll both be satisfied.”
“Okay if you can find one. Good luck. I’m going to knit or read a book. Let me know what you come up with.”
“I wouldn’t know where to start. What do you recommend?”
“Ask our knowledgeable friend—the computer!”
Today’s Thoughts
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
EPHESIANS 5:25
We’re different—for sure—men and women, that is. I thank you, God, for showing us how to meet in the middle—at least sometimes.
73
Remotely Speaking
Jenny gets things done—on time or even ahead of time, and the work is always in tip-top shape. If someone needs something accomplished, she’s the man… er… woman! She admits to being a “Type A” personality and a multitasker. She can juggle many plates at once and keep them going without a crash. That is, until…
One night as Jenny hurried home from a meeting, she was concentrating on the long night of deskwork she’d planned. She felt especially rushed and stressed. “I noticed the mail had arrived, so I jumped out of my car, gathered my purse and books, and pointed my car’s remote keyless entry (RKE) at the car door. With a click, the door locked.”
She made a quick dash to the mailbox at the curb and pointed her RKE once again. Nothing happened. She tried again as her impatience grew. “This is no time to act up!” she groused at the object in her hand. “I have work to do!”
She pressed the gizmo once more but still no change. How could she get to her mail? She was expecting a check from a client and needed to put the money into her checking account the following morning. One more try. Click! Click! Nothing.
Suddenly Jenny realized what she was doing—using her car remote for her mailbox. How silly was that? She glanced around to see if any neighbors were watching.
Just then a jogger ran by. “That’s not going to work!” he yelled.
Jenny’s face grew hot. She lowered her eyes, grabbed the correct key, opened the box, and reached for her mail. She closed the box and scurried into the house. But that wasn’t the end of it. Days later she tried the same thing at the main post office when she stopped to pick up her ministry’s mail. She returned to the car and explained to her husband what she’d done.
He came up with a possible solution. “You need a remote clicker to turn on your brain!”
Today’s Thoughts
In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
PROVERBS 3:6
Whew! I have so many close calls and embarrassing senior moments. Thank you for loving me and making sure everything turns outs okay.
74
What a Relief
Lucy’s neighbor Manuel was a WWII veteran. He loved to tell war stories to anyone who’d listen. Lucy had been his audience of one on more than one occasion over the years.
Manuel took it on himself to see that his grandson Jake studied the piano. The grandfather paid Lucy to teach the boy. Every Wednesday Manuel and Jake came by, week after week. The boy improved and seemed to enjoy playing. Manuel was proud as punch, as he often admitted, that his grandson was taking up where he’d left off when he was a kid. “Not enough money for me to take lessons,” he lamented one day, “so I want to be sure Jake has the chance I never had.”
Lucy had a soft spot for the old man. His stories were a bit tiresome since she’d heard them all, but he had such a big heart she couldn’t help but love and admire him for what he was doing for Jake.
At the end of each lesson, Manuel would knock on Lucy’s door, ready to pick up Jake. Routinely he thanked her for what she was doing and gave her a big hug. Pretty soon Jake was doing the same.
One day Lucy teared up as Manuel wrapped his strong arms around her. “You’re about the only one who hugs me these days,” she blurted out.
Manuel stepped back and a puzzled look crossed his face. “I don’t know why,” he said as he patted Lucy’s shoulder. “You don’t smell bad.”
Today’s Thoughts
The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.
PSALM 37:23
Lord, you are a great God—bringing a smile to my face just when I need it.
75
Love that Little Child
Paul looked at Lulu, his sweet wife of 42 years, lying in the bed they’d shared all these years. She was pretty sick. Her face was pale and her hands looked frail. He loved her with everything in him, and he didn’t want her to die. But he also knew that her time on earth was in God’s hands so he needed to trust in the divine plan and not his own desire.
Pulling out his Bible, Paul began reading from Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 18: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
Paul started thinking about how people often referred to life in the older years—specifically the seventies and eighties—as a second childhood. That can feel like a cruel comment when a person is at that stage. But then Paul smiled, squeezed Lulu’s small hand, and kissed her on the forehead. She did look like a little child in the middle of a big bed, so innocent and trusting. She couldn’t do anything for herself anymore. It was up to God and him to do for Lulu what she could no longer do for herself.
Paul’s eyes were suddenly wet with tears. He sank down on his knees beside his wife and wept. Then words so soft and quiet he almost missed them crossed his mind. It was as though they came straight from heaven… and maybe they did. “I love that little child.” Paul relaxed his shoulders. He knew things were going to be all right.
Today’s Thoughts
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.
1 JOHN 4:18
Lord, teach me to love and not give in to fear. Where love is, there you are.
76
Patience Relations
Rodney appeared at Oakhurst Memorial Hospital eager to start the volunteer work he’d signed up for with the Patient Relations Department. The work was easy enough. Just make the rounds, chat for a moment with the patients, and ask if they needed anything—a book or magazine, a prayer, a visit, a glass of water, help with the television or radio, or anything else.
He enjoyed people, wanted to be
helpful where needed, and was glad to be of use now that he was retired from his teaching job of 40-plus years at the local high school. Rodney had experienced excellent health most of his life, so he felt compelled to serve those who were less fortunate. It took so little to bring a bit of joy to people who were suffering from cancer, or recovering from surgery, or being rehabilitated after an accident.
“Most of our patients respond well to the little things––a warm smile, a kind word, a funny story,” said the department head, Mona, to the group of volunteers during a training session. “Rely on your intuition. You’ll know what to do and what to say when you’re there in person. Good luck and report back to me at the end of your stretch. Oh, and please know that you are very much appreciated. Thank you for your service.” She concluded by reminding the volunteers to contact her immediately if they ran into anything out of the ordinary, such as a rude or belligerent patient. Rodney filed that remark away. He doubted he’d run into anyone he couldn’t handle with a little humor.
The first few visits were a breeze. An older man asked for a particular magazine and a young boy enjoyed trading knock-knock jokes with Rodney. So far so good. He walked down the hall to the next room on his list––#415––and peeked in. “Hello!” he called to the woman in the bed. “I’m Rodney, and I’m here for patient relations. May I come in? And if there is anything I can do to make… ”
Before he could finish, the woman in the bed bellowed, “How dare you suggest that you’re here for patient relations! I’ll have you know I’m a married woman. I only have relations with my husband!”
Today’s Thoughts
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
HEBREWS 13:2
Even when we have good intentions, sometimes people question our motives. Help me, Lord, to do what is right in every situation. When I’m misunderstood, help me speak the truth in love.
77
Sign of the Times?
“Look, Mike!” Carrie pointed out a wooden plaque to her husband as they browsed a gift shop. “Let’s buy it and hang it by the front door. The grandkids will get a kick out of it.”
Mike picked up the wooden piece: “Grandparents at Play.” He pulled out a 10-dollar bill and plunked it down on the counter by the front door of the shop. “I agree, and it’s a fair price.”
The two left the shop and headed home. They were bushed after a day of shopping and eating out. They were ready to crash in front of the television, feet up, popcorn bowl in hand.
But first Carrie had a chore for Mike. “Please hang up the plaque,” she said. “It’s a real conversation piece, and I don’t want to forget about it.”
Mike hustled to his tool drawer and pulled out a hammer and a couple of nails. In a matter of minutes the plaque was in place by the front door—just where Carrie wanted it.
That evening their daughter Jenny and her two kids, Shawn and Dede, stopped by unexpectedly. “We were in the neighborhood,” Jenny said with a shrug. “I hope we’re not interrupting anything. Just wanted to stop by and say hello.”
Ten-year-old Shawn spoke up. “I like that plaque by the front door. It’s new, right?”
“Yep. Bought it today,” Mike said.
“What do you think?” asked Carrie.
Shawn frowned. “I’m not sure it fits you guys.”
“What do you mean?” his mom asked.
“It says ‘Grandparents at Play.’ But Grandma and Grandpa are just watching TV.”
“At our age, that’s what we call ‘play’!” Mike said.
Today’s Thoughts
Their little ones dance about.
JOB 21:11
Grandchildren certainly know how to bring us down to reality. I’m grateful for their honesty, hugs, and humor. Thank you, God, for my grands.
78
Hey, Sugar!
Roland liked two teaspoons of sugar in each cup of coffee, and he drank several cups a day—to his wife’s dismay. Jane didn’t like seeing him piling on the sweets at his age, but she couldn’t do much about it.
While on vacation in England she hoped he’d switch to the preferred beverage there—black tea with a bit of milk and skip the sugar. But Roland wasn’t easily persuaded. If there was a choice between coffee and tea, coffee won every time.
One morning after a restless night, Roland was eager to get to the dining room for his first cup of coffee. He turned to Jane. “I need a jolt to keep me awake during the tour today.”
Jane rolled her eyes but zipped her lips. No use starting a quarrel first thing in the morning. She was intent on enjoying their vacation. When they arrived in the dining room, she focused on their table companions and made small talk about the agenda for the day. “I’m so excited about seeing Buckingham Palace!” she exclaimed. “I’m going to get a photo of Roland and me standing at the front gate. And I want a shot of those cute guards with their red trousers and tall, fluffy, black hats.” She chuckled waiting for an acknowledgment from the couple sitting across from her.
At that moment, Roland looked around and blurted, “Where’s the sugar? Looks like the waiter forgot to deliver it to our table.”
“No, dear,” said Jane. “It’s over there.” She pointed to the far corner of the long table. She stood up to reach for the bowl.
“Hey, sugar!” Roland said in a louder voice than usual, apparently happy to see the treat he needed to sweeten his coffee.
Just then the waitress rounded the corner next to where Roland was sitting. She stopped in her tracks and glared at him. “My name is Sara. I’ll be happy to help you, sir, but please call me by my name. I’m not your sugar—or anyone else’s for that matter.”
Today’s Thoughts
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.
PSALM 32:8
Whoa! People do get themselves into a muddle sometimes without knowing it. I’m so thankful that even when my words fly out of my mouth and land where I had no intention of sending them, you rescue me through your grace and wisdom.
79
It’s a Wrap
Jeanette bought tickets to an open-air concert in Los Angeles. She rarely went out at night, but she couldn’t resist this opportunity to hear one of her favorite bands. She was excited to be attending with her neighbor Rob. Both she and Rob had lost their spouses a month apart, so they found comfort in talking with each other and enjoying an outing together from time to time. Rob had treated Jeanette to a lovely dinner the week before, so she felt it was her turn to treat him. And since they both liked the same kind of music, this particular concert was well worth the money she’d spent.
Now for her choice of clothing. Jeanette browsed through her closet, eager to find just the right item—one that was nice but also warm since the cool night air would blow in just after sunset. A sweater? Maybe. A coat or jacket? Too heavy. She wanted something attractive, easy to put on and take off—a light wrap would do. But she didn’t own anything like that.
Then she remembered her neighbor Sue, who lived on the other side of Rob’s house, would likely have just what she needed. Sue was a fashion plate at age 72. “I don’t think she’d mind loaning me a wrap for a few hours,” Jeanette decided. She dashed off a text, knowing tech-savvy Sue kept her phone by her side night and day.
Within seconds Sue appeared at Jeanette’s door with a package in hand. “Got your text,” she said with a smile. “Here you go. It’ll be the perfect snack before you leave for the concert.”
“Snack?” Jeanette was puzzled.
“You asked for a wrap, right?” Now Sue appeared perplexed.
“Well, yes. You know—the kind you put around your shoulders to ward off the chill.”
Sue burst out laughing. “Oh my! I thought you meant a wrap—you know, the kind you eat. I keep a supply in my freezer for quick meals. But I can get you a light-wool wrap, sure. I have those too!”
Jeanette joined her la
ughter. “I’ll take both,” she said. “And thanks for being such a well-prepared neighbor.”
Today’s Thoughts
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
ACTS 20:35
What a cute story, Lord. Sometimes even when I want to be helpful and neighborly I get my signals crossed. Thank you for helping me navigate miscommunications with grace and mercy.
80
Facebook Fuss
Eleanor bragged that she didn’t own a cell phone, or a computer, or an iPad, or any other tech device—and she never would, so there! One afternoon her grandson Conner tried to talk her into getting a simple email machine so she could stay in touch with her grandchildren.
“Grams, it is so easy to use and it’s fun. Much easier than writing letters, especially now that you have arthritis.” He worked hard at persuading her, but she wouldn’t have any part of it. She stuck her nose in the book she was reading and sank down in the easy chair in front of the fireplace.
“Okay, have it your way. But I’d sure love to tell my friends that my hip grandmother knows how to text and use email and connect with me on Facebook.”
“What’s all this fuss about Facebook anyway?” she asked. “Why would anyone have to sign up for a way to talk to people when the phone has worked quite well for nearly a century? And what a goofy name. Faaaaceboooook.” She mocked the word by drawing out each syllable. Then she held up the book she was reading. “See? I already know how to ‘face book.’ I face my book every time I pick it up to read!”
“Okay, Grams, you win.” Conner blew out a long breath and returned to his laptop. No winning with some of these older folks. And they tell us how hardheaded we teens are!
Today’s Thoughts
The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
PROVERBS 15:2
Lord, may I never become so stubborn and unyielding that I refuse to learn something new that would benefit me and those I love.
My Favorite Senior Moments Page 10
