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John 19: 26,27- When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

It’s hard for me to believe that I have grown up to give birth to my own children, and they in turn, are parents. It seems not so long ago that I was a little girl, myself, with a loving mother to care for me. 

My mother took her role seriously. I always felt loved and safe.

For the last few years, our roles have been reversed. My parents have aged. My siblings and myself are now caring for them (along with a wonderful staff in their Memory Care unit.)

If you are in your mid-fifties or older, like I am, chances are you are taking care of your aging mother, too. 

Providing care for His mother was of utmost importance to Jesus. As He was dying on the cross, he made sure that John would take on this responsibility in His absence. 

No matter how little—or how much—was involved in John’s new role as Mary’s caregiver, He pledged to do whatever was necessary.

You may not be at that place in your life, yet. But, as our medical care improves, the reality of providing care for our aging parents is becoming more and more of a reality.

The Bible tells us to Honor our Father and our Mother. This goes beyond merely providing physical care. It means giving them love and respect… making them feel special and needed at a time in their lives when they may feel useless and no longer able to enjoy the activities that they did when they were younger.

A card… flowers… a special meal… a family gathering. 

Following Christ’s example is yet another case of showing His love to others—those who cared for us as helpless babes and who we now provide for as His love comes full circle.