They Still Remember

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”  2 Thessalonians 2:15

One of the visitation ministries of our church takes place in an assisted living facility. While we are there, we sing songs of the faith, share a devotion, and have a time of prayer. Many of the residents have difficulty remembering who we are even though we’ve been coming there for a very long time, but nevertheless, they are excited when we are there.

As time has passed, many of those who have come faithfully to our visits have become less and less participatory in the devotions. Even simple questions designed to engage the residents go unanswered, but I have noticed two things that have been a tremendous encouragement to me.

First, when we sing songs like “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Standing on the Promises,” or “In the Garden,” most of them sing along. No one uses a hymn book; all the songs are sung by memory. And when we sing the songs from Sunday school, like “Jesus Loves Me,” and “The B-I-B-L-E,” every single one of the residents sing out!

The second thing I have noticed is that when asked to recite verses, such as John 3:16 or Psalm 23:1, the residents all say the words in unison! Seeing the eyes of these men and women light up and smiles appear on their faces as they recite verses from memory is one of the most moving moments during our visits.

It is clear to see the importance of “the traditions which ye have been taught whether by word or our epistle.” I am so grateful that my pastor believes in the importance of Sunday school. The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” These wonderful residents with whom we have the privilege of visiting and sharing our faith are living proof of that verse!

Will I have clarity of thought as I grow older? I do not know, but because of what I learned in Sunday school as a child, I pray that my children and grandchildren will be able to see that I still remember Jesus in my golden years even if I forget everything else.

Precious mem’ries, unseen angels,
Sent from somewhere to my soul;
How they linger, ever near me,
And the sacred past unfold.

Precious father, loving mother,
Fly across the lonely years;
And old home scenes of my childhood,
In fond memory appear.

Precious mem’ries, how they linger,
How they ever flood my soul;
In the stillness of the midnight,
Precious, sacred scenes unfold.

(from “Precious Memories” by Lonnie B. Combs and J. B. F. Wright)

“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4

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“A grandmother’s special calling is to pray and to be a fellow worker in the battle in which her children or her grandchildren are engaged.” – Elisabeth Elliott