This morning I was surprised to find my dad taking on the role of the grumpy old man. He was (understandably) unhappy with the nursing home. It's a hard place to be. Life is much like prison...go here....sit here....eat now....sit here...go to bed now. It's a very structured setting, it has to be as just a few staff try to care for a hundred residents.
But this morning, as dad complained about his morning, I tried to do what I do best, encourage. Quickly I'm interrupted and told he didn't want to hear it! He was grumpy and wanted no encouragement from me!
Ok. I get it. I know it was time to be quiet and so I fall silent and honestly get a little irritated with my dear old dad as he took on the identity of grumpy old man. I know it's hard for him. For a man who has always made his own decisions it's hard to be told what to do and not able to do anything about it. I know it's hard.
As I write about this I pray I finish as one who is happy with the opportunity to be here each day looking for the good works the Lord has prepared for me. It's easy to lose focus, I pray this morning's example is one I never forget.
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