Care & Kick

The above title sounds a little passive-aggressive, but hang in there for a point worth considering.

The landscape of older adulthood is vast. The physical and mental abilities showing up in the 55+ age range are hugely diverse.

Getting to the point, some of us need care, and some need a kick. And probably most of us can benefit from both.

When we get sympathetic pats on our backs from people touched by our commitment to work with older adults, they’re probably thinking ‘elderly care’. Suggesting God has also called us through YES! to provide kicks to the posterior may sound misplaced and insensitive.

But even post-surgery hospital care includes physical or occupational therapy to help people get moving again. They know the dangers and realities of atrophy. Tender care only for the bedridden may keep them in bed.

Shortly after starting YES! we met a dear lady from a thriving church in our county. An active church member, she immersed herself in a variety of ministry opportunities. Understandably, her serving was put on hold as she received a cancer diagnosis in her early seventies, followed by a couple years of intense treatment. Gratefully, her cancer went into remission. When we spoke with her, she had received a clean bill of health for five consecutive years. 

Sadly, though, her serving hadn’t re-emerged. Her cancer diagnosis pegged her as someone needing care, and she fell off the ready-to-serve list. Her advancing age probably added to this past-her-prime perception, but she was ready and able to jump back in. We encouraged her to not wait for an invitation but to actively pursue anything God laid on her heart.

With my recent leukemia diagnosis, I will likely begin treatment within the next two years. In the meantime, I deeply appreciate the care expressed and the prayers of so many. I also appreciate the kick from cancer survivors/thrivers and others who encourage me to press hard into all that God has on my plate right now.

They remind me that there is still a lot of good living ahead and that I’m still young enough to serve. I’d like to hang on to those four words of hope, no matter what lies ahead.

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)

 Be ready to both give and receive kicks and care. “If we’re not dead, He’s not done.”