March 21
A Cheerful Word
Brings Joy
"Worry makes a heart heavy. But a kind word cheers it up."
Proverbs 12:25 (NIrV)
Peter sat by the window of his small living room, gazing out at the birds that flocked to the feeder his son had hung just a few weeks ago. Though he enjoyed the simple sight, the sparkle in his eyes was fading. At 78, Peter’s dementia was progressing, and he often forgot the names of his grandchildren or where he had left his glasses. His once-robust memory now felt like a fragile tapestry unraveling one thread at a time.
His family was deeply concerned. His daughter, Emily, had spent countless nights researching care options, while his son, Mark, felt guilty for not visiting more often. The siblings had tense conversations about what to do next. Should they hire help? Consider a care facility? The uncertainty weighed heavily on them, and their worry seeped into every interaction with Peter.
Peter noticed. Though his memory was slipping, he still recognized the tension in their voices and the worry etched on their faces. One afternoon, Emily sat with him, struggling to mask her anxiety. “Dad,” she started, “we just want to make sure you’re okay. We’re trying to figure out the best way to help.”
Peter reached for her hand, his frail fingers wrapping around hers. “Emily,” he said slowly, “don’t carry so much on your shoulders. God has brought us this far, hasn’t He? We’ll figure it out together. And you’re doing a wonderful job—never forget that.”
Emily’s eyes filled with tears. Despite his confusion and fading clarity, Peter’s gentle words carried a profound wisdom that lifted her heavy heart. She realized she had been so consumed by worry that she had forgotten the importance of simply being present and offering love.
That evening, Emily shared her father’s words with Mark, and they both agreed to approach their situation differently. They prayed together, asking for God’s guidance and peace. In the days that followed, they started focusing on what they could do as a family rather than fixating on what they couldn’t control. Emily encouraged her children to spend more time with Peter, bringing him joy with their laughter and stories. Mark started visiting weekly, bringing Peter’s favorite pastries and reminiscing about their childhood.
Though Peter’s condition didn’t improve, the atmosphere in their home shifted. The family began to cherish each moment they had with him, finding comfort in God’s faithfulness and the power of kind words to uplift a heavy heart.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that kind words can bring light to even the heaviest hearts.
In times of worry and uncertainty, help us to lean on You for peace and guidance.
May we learn to encourage others, just as Peter uplifted his family.
Teach us to trust in Your plans and cherish the moments You’ve given us with our loved ones.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
