My Parent's Keeper

Everyday we hear about how the elderly are either unable to take care of themselves, abused by those taking care of them, and occasionally how someone has went out of their way to help an elderly person. The facts of the matter are that elderly people love human interaction as much as people of any age do and that when they are unable to take care of themselves they need someone to take care of them.

So for a very long time I have felt that God is calling me overseas. I don't know where, but I feel that I will be away from this country for long periods. God has laid that desire on my heart and I am willing to go. My brother on the other hand, after his time in the military, has every intention of moving back to Iowa near the homestead and living the rest of his life there. I have often judged him for not wanting big things for his life and throwing away all the opportunities that he could have if only he was willing to go.

First of all I have started to realize that who am I to say that he wouldn't have amazing opportunities right where he wants to live? How do I a simple human know that he won't be able to change the world living from a small town in Iowa? Simple fact is I have no idea how his life will turn out and I have no right to judge his decisions. Second I have started to see my brothers desire to stay as a gift to me. Confused yet?

My parents are aging, because, as with all humans, one day they will die. With the aging process there is a chance that they will reach a point when they won't be able to take care of themselves or each other and that scares me and breaks my heart. This is also one of the big reasons I have been nervous about doing missions work. I keep thinking how can I go and share the love of Christ with people while leaving my parents to be taken care of by strangers? But then it dawned on me I wouldn't be. I have a brother. Who seems to have a God given desire to stay within 10 miles of my parents.

So all this time I have been judging my brothers hopes and desires, when they are the very same hopes and desires that could one day allow me to follow God's call to go to the nations and share his love. Even though my parents are currently in great health and show no signs of slowing. God has given me perspective that is helping me appreciate my brother so much more and has taken the gavel out of my hands over my brothers life.

Though my brother and I have only started to see eye to eye about life and our need for the other one in it, moving forward I am going to give my brother the grace that I have withheld.