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05-12-2008, 09:06 AM
"Choose Gladness"
“Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” — Psalm 100:2 NKJV
Aging is as certain for each of us as death and taxes, but if we can age gracefully, we can be blessings to our family and friends. Recently I visited a Senior Home for Assisted Living and saw a lady confined to a wheelchair. She was an absolute delight, with her sunny smile and upbeat attitude. Then I saw an elderly man standing at the nurse’s desk who looked fairly healthy for his age. But he was carping and complaining, making the nurse miserable.
As the years go by, we have a choice. We can choose to feel sorry for ourselves or we can choose gladness. Old-age brings many challenges: aches and pains, hearing loss, dimming vision and other medical problems. Jesus told Peter, "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." (John 21:18). It is your choice how you will deal with that. I have found it helpful to:
a) Maintain close friendships with optimistic people. "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel." (Proverbs 27:9).
b) Memorize hopeful scriptures. "If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1).
c) Help someone else. Be a mentor to a young person and find out how your spirits are lifted. "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27:17).
Lord God, may I always be a blessing to someone, no matter what age I am. Amen.
“Prayerful Living”
“Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” — Psalm 100:2 NKJV
Aging is as certain for each of us as death and taxes, but if we can age gracefully, we can be blessings to our family and friends. Recently I visited a Senior Home for Assisted Living and saw a lady confined to a wheelchair. She was an absolute delight, with her sunny smile and upbeat attitude. Then I saw an elderly man standing at the nurse’s desk who looked fairly healthy for his age. But he was carping and complaining, making the nurse miserable.
As the years go by, we have a choice. We can choose to feel sorry for ourselves or we can choose gladness. Old-age brings many challenges: aches and pains, hearing loss, dimming vision and other medical problems. Jesus told Peter, "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." (John 21:18). It is your choice how you will deal with that. I have found it helpful to:
a) Maintain close friendships with optimistic people. "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel." (Proverbs 27:9).
b) Memorize hopeful scriptures. "If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1).
c) Help someone else. Be a mentor to a young person and find out how your spirits are lifted. "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27:17).
Lord God, may I always be a blessing to someone, no matter what age I am. Amen.
“Prayerful Living”