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Don’t put me on the dust heap yet!

 At only seventy years (well probably a bit nearer 71 years), I am continually surprised at how my body doesn’t always behave.

 

I couldn’t unscrew a jar of jam last night, because the arthritis in my thumb was too painful and my thumb joint was too weak! I struggle to lift a full basket of wet washing sometimes and my energy runs out quickly. After having a thirty minute walk then doing my housework I was exhausted! When did that start to happen? My back aches when I’ve completed an hour of ironing! My mind tells me I can do anything and I feel as if I’m in my thirties but my body lets me down.

 

I take heart from Isaiah 46:4 ‘Even to your old age and grey hair I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.’  I cling to that promise, not just for now but for the future.

 

However apart from allowances for normal body aging, I still feel pretty able and keep a busy schedule, although I have arranged my diary so that I have the energy to complete my days. I exercise most days, eat reasonably healthily although I do have one treat day a week, stay at a healthy weight, do not smoke or drink alcohol, keep both mind and body busy but also build into my schedule periods of rest and relaxation (very important).

 

Today I was on the roster to provide the morning tea for our Music and Movement group, and of course clean up afterwards. What a pleasure. I love the chance to talk to the young mothers (most of whom are not Christians) and encourage them as they get their hot drink.

 

I am also continually reminded that God has not finished with me yet. There is still plenty I can do to serve and be a witness to others and I am filled with joy that I can still do this.

 

There are plenty of other scriptures about aging, all positive.

 

‘They shall still bear fruit in old age’ (Psalm 92:14), ‘Those who are older should speak for wisdom comes with age.’ (Job 32:7), ‘These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure’ Titus 2:4.

 

So don’t let anyone tell you that you are useless or that you can’t do something because of your age. God can always use you. People are always needing encouragement, people are always needing prayer and churches are always needing people to ring around and provide pastoral care. Plus older people can run bible study groups, mentor children/youth/younger adults—there is so much to be done! One of our most active members was 90, then the Lord took him home.

 

Don’t be limited by your age and rejoice in the Lord always. God bless you each.

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