Knowing that I am a certifiably dependent older adult, I have come to realize the good news that I am surrounded by people who are dependable. Some are easy to spot: Family and friends who are there when I need them, watching me carefully and ready to spring into action. They’re bound to me because of love and shared experiences. These are the folks I have no trouble asking for assistance; they’re the ones who buoy me up when I’m down and fill in the rough spots in my daily life.
There are others who also deserve my deep appreciation. They’re mostly invisible unless I look for them. As an exercise in expanding your gratitude, consider the kinds of folks you and I depend on:
• People who do their jobs well: factory workers who make the high-quality products in our homes; the men and women who tramp out into inclement weather to keep our lights on; people with highly skilled hands; truckers; the clerks at our markets; mechanics and those whose work is physically dangerous.
• Governmental servants who are rarely visible: Clerks, lawyers, compliance officials, police, prosecutors, EMT’s. Elected officials who balance the needs of the entire population—including ours!
• Protectors and healers: Nurses, occupational therapists, weather forecasters, highway workers, medical researchers and LVN’s—We’d be vulnerable and chronically ill without them.
• Low-paid workers: Janitors, gardeners, crop harvesters, maids, food servers and dishwashers. Without them, we wouldn’t have any food, nor would we enjoy the pleasures of undeserved hospitality and beauty.
• Thinkers and listeners: Family therapists, teachers, social workers and pastors.
You get the picture, right? At this stage in life, you and I depend on a host of godly, dependable people who help keep us satisfied and safe.
All of them deserving of our thanks and admiration….
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