“Accompany with Love and Patience – When Roles in Life Change”

[Hubi]

Introduction – A Quiet Request of the Heart

Dear readers,
let us imagine for a moment a quiet voice. Not a loud, demanding voice—but one that almost whispers. A voice that comes from a heart that has grown tired from life. A voice that says:
“If one day you see me old … be patient with me.”

These words are not an accusation. They are a request. A request for time. For understanding. For love.

Many of us have read or heard this text before. Perhaps it touched us briefly—and then we returned to everyday life. Today we want to do something different. Today we want to stop. We want to listen. And we want to allow our heart to be spoken to.

Because this subject concerns all of us. Either because we accompany older people. Or because one day we ourselves will be this quiet voice.

---

1. When Roles in Life Change

Life does not run in a straight line. It is like a path with many curves.

At the beginning of our life, we are carried. Later, we carry others. And at some point—often unnoticed—the roles change again.

The hands that once held us may tremble. The voice that once encouraged us repeats itself. The person who knew everything suddenly asks about simple things.

And exactly here a great inner challenge begins.

Not the care is the hardest part.
Not the organization.
Not the responsibility.

But the patience of the heart.

---

2. “When I Repeat Myself – Listen to Me”

The text says:
“When I speak with you and repeat the same things over and over again, do not interrupt me. Listen to me.”

How easily we switch off inwardly. How quickly we become restless. How often we think: “He already said that.”

But let us remember:
When we were small, we needed repetition. Not once. Not twice. But again and again.

The same story. The same song. The same comforting words.

Not because we did not understand them—but because they gave security.

Today, an older person needs exactly the same thing: security. Attention. The feeling: I am still important.

Proverbs 19:11 says:
“A person with insight is not quick to anger, and it is something beautiful for him to overlook a mistake.”

Briefly explained: Jehova shows us here that true maturity does not show itself in speed, but in inner calm. Patience is not weakness—it is beauty in Jehova’s eyes.

---

3. When Dignity Becomes More Important Than Efficiency

The text continues:
“If I do not want to wash myself, do not blame me and do not let me be ashamed.”

Shame wounds deeper than any physical weakness.

An older person loses many things: strength. Speed. Independence.

But one thing must never be lost: dignity.

Jehova himself shows us how important dignity is.

Isaiah 46:4:
“Until you are old, I will be the same. Until your hair is gray, I will carry you.”

Explanation: Jehova does not say: “I tolerate you.” He says: “I carry you.”

What a difference.

---

Illustration 1 – The Fragile Goblet

Imagine an old, delicate goblet. It is no longer new. It has small cracks. Perhaps it is no longer perfect.

Would we handle it roughly? Set it down hastily?

No.

Precisely because it is fragile, we handle it more carefully.

Older people are like this goblet. Not worthless—but more valuable than ever.

---

4. “When I Become Slower – Come Toward Me”

“When my tired legs no longer allow me to keep up with you … come toward me with your strong hands.”

That is love in motion.

Love does not stand still and wait impatiently. Love takes a few steps back.

1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient and kind.”

Not efficient.
Not fast.
But patient.

---

5. When Words Come From Weariness

“When I say that I wish I were dead, do not be angry.”

These words do not come from ingratitude. They come from exhaustion.

And here we need compassion, not judgment.

Psalm 103:14:
“For he knows our formation well; he remembers that we are dust.”

Jehova knows the limits of human strength.

---

Illustration 2 – The Relay Race of Life

Life is like a relay race.

At the beginning, others carry us. Then we run ourselves. And at some point, we pass the baton on.

Love means not letting the baton fall when someone becomes slower.

---

6. A Look Into the Future – Also at Ourselves

One day, we will be this request.

And then it will matter what we have learned today.

Galatians 6:2:
“Continue carrying one another’s burdens.”

Not only heavy ones.
Also slow ones.
Also quiet ones.

---

Conclusion – A Request That Jehova Hears

The text ends with the words:
“Please help me to finish my days with love and patience.”

This is not weakness. This is courage.

And Jehova hears this request.

May he give us a heart that is slow enough to love, strong enough to carry, and humble enough to listen.

Because in the end, what remains is not how fast we were—but how loving.