Dear Ones,
Happy Labor Day! Hope you have time off to celebrate. We are home now and had such a fun time at the Lake with brunch at Taylor’s, picnic with everyone, Scrabble games, church, and then steak dinner at Ann’s etc. Today I am taking out fall decorations and going to clean and do some food prep.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
The great commission was given to us by Jesus, and we are to go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that the Lord commanded (Matt. 28:19-20). Now that doesn’t have an age factor attached to it but that is for all of us who know the Lord to go tell, whether we are young or old.  In fact, it says in Psalm 71:18, “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, you power to all those to come.”

We are all commissioned to share the Good News with others but sometimes we think if we are old that we no longer have a voice even in our church and we wonder how we fit in. I read an interesting article on crosswalk.com by Stacey Monaco who writes about ways to remain vibrant in the church and in our faith even as we age.  First of all, we must live our purpose as we can still be used by the Lord and minister to others no matter how old. Now we may have to adjust or modify how we do things, but we can still serve others, mentor, show hospitality, pray for others and do a host of things. Secondly, we can span the generation gap by being open to those who are younger for their knowledge and friendship, and they can be open to wisdom and experience of those older. Thirdly, we all need to be life-long learners with an openness to grow. Are we willing to learn new things, new ideas, new experiences like mission trips, and also listen to all ages. Fourthly, Stacey says we must adopt a Biblical mindset on aging for the Lord calls us to be useful for His kingdom all the days of our lives and to be vibrant in faith. All ages have concerns, and our churches should be open to provide for the needs of all, including the senior members.

I would like to close with Stacey’s words, “A beautiful dignity results within church settings when each member is rightly valued and is functioning within their gifts and purpose. Interrelationship between generations of all life stages is a natural outcropping of a healthy church environment and confers true significance on each Christ-follower, regardless of demographic. Remaining vibrant and vital in the church and our faith is a daily decision, and the changes that come with age can offer a rich opportunity to give an answer for the hope that is within us. (1 Peter 3:15)”

Challenge for today: Grow in whatever stage of life you are in and be open to receive from even the Seniors.
Blessings on Labor Day and prayers and love, Judy