Sitting in the Delta Hospital coffee shop (thinking about all the wonderful things the Auxiliary does - God bless you), I observed large numbers of elderly patients accompanied people between 20 and 50, some with young children.
I thought of sandwiches. Not the excellent ones they serve in the coffee shop but the sandwich generation: mid age persons supporting elderly relatives while raising/supporting their own children.
Supporting an elderly friend over these last months has given me a taste of those joys and struggles.
Ten years ago, a United Way funded report on Delta predicted an impending crisis - increasing numbers of senior citizens accompanied by decreasing care and support services. That time is now.
The "meat" in the sandwich - those raising children and caring for elders - are increasingly busy and dangerously stressed.
The "meat" and the "bread" are people who need to be served. Many organizations, including churches, are based on people coming to our location and actively participating.
We often judge success by numbers present.
Jesus had a deep passion for those whose health marginalized them.
Not simply building a church and hoping they will come, he met them where they lived, bringing the "Good News" of God's salvation, reassuring them of God's love and restoring them to the community. It's time for action outside of the box.
Jim Short can be reached at [email protected].
