His Eye is on the Sparrow
I found this letter I had written to Mom and Dad about 3 years ago. I decided to use it today because the message in it never grows old, it applies to me today, and most of us with aging parents can benefit from the comfort spoken of.
I will break into the second paragraph of that letter.....
"My heart has been heavy as I pray for you both sometimes. I have been looking in the Bible to see how God has directed us to pray for and care for our aging parents. I know that you are in a safe and nice home there at THE GOLDEN YEARS ESTATE, but I wish I was nearby to be able to spend time with you both and take care of you when you need it.
I think it must be hard to grow older. I am already at 56 feeling some apprehension about the future. I can’t imagine how you must be dealing with being in your 80’s and 90’s.
I know your faith is in Jesus. That is what gives me Peace about being so far away from you.
I was praying for you both one night last week. The TV was on a Christian station but it was turned down low. I wasn’t paying it any attention. I was feeling the pain of separation from you and the miles in between us seemed so long. I suddenly thought I heard a familiar song on the TV and then I realized what it was. I turned it up and tears come to my eyes as I heard a lady singing this song that Mom always sang, especially in the car:
"My heart has been heavy as I pray for you both sometimes. I have been looking in the Bible to see how God has directed us to pray for and care for our aging parents. I know that you are in a safe and nice home there at THE GOLDEN YEARS ESTATE, but I wish I was nearby to be able to spend time with you both and take care of you when you need it.
I think it must be hard to grow older. I am already at 56 feeling some apprehension about the future. I can’t imagine how you must be dealing with being in your 80’s and 90’s.
I know your faith is in Jesus. That is what gives me Peace about being so far away from you.
I was praying for you both one night last week. The TV was on a Christian station but it was turned down low. I wasn’t paying it any attention. I was feeling the pain of separation from you and the miles in between us seemed so long. I suddenly thought I heard a familiar song on the TV and then I realized what it was. I turned it up and tears come to my eyes as I heard a lady singing this song that Mom always sang, especially in the car:
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
for His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me
I sing because I'm free
for His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
for His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me
I sing because I'm free
for His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me
This was pretty amazing to me that God would bring this song to me just when my heart was burdened for you both.
I think God was whispering to my heart that because you both, Mom and Dad, love the Lord, and have followed and served Him these many years, this song applies to you. I can trust Him to take care of you, even better than I could if I were there.
So, for today, pretend that I have come in the door and given you a big hug and I brought this message to you. HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW, AND I KNOW HE WATCHES YOU.
I think God was whispering to my heart that because you both, Mom and Dad, love the Lord, and have followed and served Him these many years, this song applies to you. I can trust Him to take care of you, even better than I could if I were there.
So, for today, pretend that I have come in the door and given you a big hug and I brought this message to you. HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW, AND I KNOW HE WATCHES YOU.
AND ME.
Lots of love to you both,
Charlene"
Charlene"
As with all my blogs, my goal is to strengthen and edify the sisterhood of believers, thus strengthening the family.
I welcome your comments that will shed insight on this aspect of our lives, and encourage someone else.
CfR
What a lovely song that is, and comforting. How peaceful it is to rest in His goodness.
ReplyDeleteI found this verse once, when I was thinking about how God cares for us when we are older:
"And when you are old,
I will still be there, carrying you.
When your limbs grow tired, your eyes are weak,
And your hair a silvery gray,
I will carry you as I always have.
I will carry you and save you."
-Isaiah 46:4, The Voice
Jenny, that is beautiful. Thank you. I have copied and printed this and hung it inside a kitchen cupboard door. (Where I keep other scripture and thoughts for Mom and Dad)
DeleteIsn't it interesting how we hold within our hearts, the songs and stories of our parents telling. I too, draw many fond memories from this well of traditional hymns, so deeply-rooted within my core. Each hymn I've heard sung by Mom or Dad has connected me to times in our lives long past. It creates feeling so strong, it's as though I've experienced the moment anew.
ReplyDeleteI'm encouraged by your words to cherish those songs and stories of our past. They are like a balm to our heart. Thanks
— EAG
Dave, as a new blogger it so exciting and rewarding to have someone comment on something I have written or shared. To see that even one person got encouragement. Makes my day.
DeleteI hope I don't loose that emotion.
But more than that, I was blessed by reading your comment as I realized those Dads who sung to you and I were brothers, taught by the same parents who did sing to them. I am pretty sure about that because I have a memory of the old house in Mounteagle, in the living-room. There was a hymn singing around the piano and many men and women. I think this was pretty common.
So thanks for taking time to respond, and by doing so remind me of my Godly roots and give me hope for the next generations that comes after me.
That is a beautiful reminder that God will never leave us or forsake us, even when we're old. Thank you
ReplyDelete