Devotions for Board Meetings and Small Groups

Dear Church Leader,

Aging is everyone’s issue — not just older adults. Aging is a fact of life which many try hard to ignore or deny because American culture focuses only on the challenges of aging — health issues, losses and the eventuality of death. Certainly these are part of the human experience, but they hardly represent the entirety of that experience. If you are fortunate enough to be aging, then you are enjoying the precious gift of life that has been yours since birth. Have you considered the alternative to aging lately? With the Baby Boomer age wave ready to fall upon the shores of American society, now is the time to ask, “how will we approach our aging?” Will it be from a center of fear and dread or will we define it with hope, grace and balance? Will we perpetuate the cultural agism or chart a new course that leads to a positive perception of aging? The following devotional messages seek to encourage and inspire the reader to make a positive response about aging.

Staff of the Association of Brethren Caregivers

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Aging and Maturing

Read Luke 2:22-38

Aging — we all do it Whether we like it or not, we all do it. Whether we deny it or not, we all do it. But maturing — ah! That’s another matter. As our bodies get older chronologically, do we mature and grow in our spiritual life? Do we grow old gracefully? Do we keep learning and growing in our relationship with God?

You’ve probably seen contrasting dynamics in people of similar age. One person may have excellent health, but a miserable attitude. Another may continue to enjoy life even though there are aches and pains, and perhaps even debilitating conditions. One person’s faith flourishes as the years progress. Another person remains rigidly in the rudiments of the faith of childhood.

Attitudes and faith don’t happen by accident. We choose to grow or not. We choose to put ourselves in a position for maturing or not. We choose whether or not we open our hearts and minds to the hope and faith of the gospel. God gives the grace, but we decide to accept it or not.

The gospel of Luke provides a glimpse of two persons whose lives intersect with the infant Jesus — Simeon and Anna. Simeon and Anna are examples of persons who, in later years of life, continue to be attentive to the ongoing action and presence of God. Their growth in faith did not stop with the instruction of childhood, for Luke’s language provides pictures of mature devotion.

Simeon — Though Luke doesn’t mention a particular age, this is a picture of a man who has lived a significant number of faithful years. He is waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promise to him — the promise to see the Lord’s Messiah before he dies (vs. 26). Simeon has faith and hope. He’s described as righteous and devout. He pays attention to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and knows when to show up at the temple as Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to be dedicated to God. Simeon speaks words of praise. He has matured in his life so that he can understand that God’s love and light are not limited to a select few (the Jews), but that Jesus is for all people.

Anna — This is a woman who was widowed after a few years of marriage and who could have lived a lonely life of regret and bitterness. Hardly the praising prophet that we find in the gospel! Like Simeon, Anna is described with language that notes a deep devotion and attention to God. She is a constant presence in the house of worship. She is disciplined in fasting and praying. And like Simeon, she appears on the scene in a timely way, speaking words of praise for a God who is offering redemption through this child Jesus.

I know some “old people” like Anna and Simeon. The thing is, they’re not just chronologically advanced; they are mature and maturing in faith, in their spirituality. When they pray, I listen attentively because I know that they know the One to whom they’re praying. When they read scripture or “give devotions,” I’m attentive because out of their spirituality I know that they will have something to say. When they ask a question, I know that it will be out of a sincere desire to love and serve God and their sisters and brothers. Their maturity did not come simply from the passage of time, but from an intimate conversation and continuous relationship with God across those years. That’s the kind of aging I want to do. How about you?

Prayer: God of all our years, stir our hearts to deepen our longing for you. Open our hearts and minds so that we might know you more fully and more deeply as the years advance. We pray in the Spirit who guided Simeon and Anna to Jesus. Amen.

Connie R. Burkholder
District Executive
Northern Plains District

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A Quiet Trust

In quietness and in trust shall be your strength. (Isaiah 30:15b)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

Hearing friends express despair and hopelessness by the ever-present war rhetoric and plans I try not to allow myself to be overcome by the unsettling news.

In tough times, especially, I find help in Isaiah’s verse. Taking time to be quiet and focusing on the many times I felt God’s presence with me in the past and in the present; knowing God will continue to be with me in the future, I do find strength. Applying this admonition beyond my own self to today’s situation and the looming possibility of war gives my faith and my hope roots and wings.

Lloyd Ogilvie, a Presbyterian pastor, wrote:

In the midst of a personal or societal tragedy, do not think of it as the end of the world, but anticipate and enter into what God is already doing or about to do with the worst that people have done. Trying to follow Jesus whose life was one of communion with God, prayer has become a vital part of my faith. So I set aside quiet times and pray to be in tune with the places where God is working and how God wants to use me.

In these particular days I also look at J.B. Phillips’ translation of Romans 12:21, “Don’t allow yourself to be overpowered by evil.” Take the offensive — overpower evil by good. I do hands-on things but I also read stories of hope and courage. One of the advantages of age is many memories. To keep perspective I remember — where nonviolent methods have worked; when bomb casings were made into prostheses; how Ethiopian lepers, with stubs for fingers, learned to embroider. In 1984 a group of Brethren went to help with the harvest in Nicaragua. The contras, a rebel group supported by the United States, came down the mountains from Honduras to undermine the well developed educational, health care and agricultural systems. They kidnaped, raped, murdered young workers, plundered and burned equipment and crops. There was talk of the United States invading while we were there. (Invasion plans at that time were later verified.) Our spouses signed papers that they were aware of the risk we were taking. War did not take place. I don’t know what happened. I do know thousands of U.S. citizens took up the cause of the Nicaraguan people. This story reminds me that war is not always inevitable. And my hope is once again lifted.

I do not know nor understand how God works. What if God is currently transforming humanity’s soul? What if our response to this chaotic time in history may be . . . to learn a new spiritual skill . . . to flow into the new order emerging out of chaos? (L. Robert Keck, Sacred Quest: The Evolution and Future of the Human Soul) I want to be a part of that new order. How about you?

Prayer: Awesome and amazing God, raise our spirits into your consciousness. Help us, God, to be a part of your new order — to be co-creators with you in bringing about a world of peace where everyone neath their vine and fig tree can live in peace and unafraid. So be it. Amen.

Dorotha Fry Mason
Manchester Church of the Brethren
North Manchester, Ind.

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The Blessings of Age

Read Titus 2:1-5

I walked down the center aisle of the Williamson Road Church of the Brethren in the same way I had for years. Only this time, I was walking beside my pastor, following my first opportunity to serve as worship leader. Upon reaching the back of the church, and as the congregants filed past, one kind, wisdom-filled, older member stopped and made a statement that would change the course of my life forever. Her profound remark: “You should consider the set-apart ministry.” Wow! At age 36 could this sister be serious? Should I consider entering the ranks of those I considered to be “the chosen of God”? Should I leave the comfort zone of my present career to venture into the unknown and often dangerous ministry of God?

It took a little over two years and a trip to National Youth Conference for that message to reach the part of my brain which makes conscious decisions. Even then, it took the urging of my wife to get me to “do something about” these feelings. I inquired of the District Executive, began the educational process, jumped through the hoops of licensing, and as it has been said, the rest is history. Now, completing 11 years in God’s set-apart service, I reflect on the many older sisters and brothers that have encouraged, corrected, uplifted, undergirded, guided, influenced . . . well, you get the picture. Ranging from my mentoring pastor to my high school guidance counselor, my ministry would not be possible nor effective had God not sent them to direct me on the path through the mysterious maze of life. I continue to be amazed at the endless opportunities to share the “Good News” of God in this life. Those ministry moments, brief interludes in life where we can share the wisdom that God, over the course of time has provided, are opportunities that only years can provide. I was blessed to attend the second National Older Adult Conference as an advisor to the National Youth Cabinet, there to conduct an inter-generational workshop. Gathered in the pristine hills of North Carolina were several hundred of the most precious resources that any pastor could experience. Free to be who God had created and Christ had shaped them to be, these older adults played and prayed, celebrating life as only they could. I watched and listened and stood in awe of the power to shape the direction of those who gather to serve and worship God in our denomination.

At my ordination service I stated that I had lived the first 40 years of life for me, and now, having received God’s call, I would live the remaining years for Him! That journey is being shaped by God through the many older sisters and brothers that God has provided to make and mold me into the instrument of truth and compassion that I believe God intends me to be. The blessings of God begin at our birth, are developed in our youth and continue into the wisdom years. “Just getting better” is much more than a catchy phrase, it is a statement of truth. All praise and honor and glory to God through Christ our Lord!

Prayer: God of wisdom, creator of the young and old, you have provided so many examples through the ages of those filled with wisdom to lead and direct the path of our lives. Abraham was advanced in years yet did not hesitate to answer your call. Give us, we pray, the courage to follow the path lived out in the ministry of Christ as you call each of us in various ways into your ministry. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see the message of truth fleshed out in the lives of those filled with the years of wisdom you have provided. To you, gracious God, we pray, in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Eddie H. Edmonds, Pastor
Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren
Martinsburg, W.Va.

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Even to Your Old Age I Am He

Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. (Isaiah 46:3-4)

As I muse about the future, especially as it relates to the ministry of the Word, a number of things could happen. Death could occur. John Wesley used to say, “Everything is in order; not even a pair of gloves is out of place.” Accident or illness could take place. None of us knows how quickly we may be lying on a hospital bed or limited by a debilitating disease. On the other hand, tomorrow may not bring any change, just the same daily routine. The unique thing about the same old routine is that it often takes more grace to keep plugging on in the day-by-day routine, than it does to meet an emergency. On a long journey, the excitement of starting out, and the thrill of coming home, are the fun parts. It’s the middle of the journey — the burden and heat of the day — that requires perseverance.

Then too, tomorrow may be the greatest day of my life. We never know who might respond favorably to a sermon preached, or a letter written, or a word of advice given —especially coming from an older person who has walked with God for a long time. Perhaps there will yet be those who respond favorably to the message I try and convey through speaking and writing. Tomorrow the Lord may return. The Lord’s coming will be an absolute certainty some day — most likely very soon (not even tomorrow, but today). The gardener who kept his master’s garden so clean, so well weeded while the owner of the garden was away was approached by another who said, “You keep this place spotless as though your master might return tomorrow.” “Not tomorrow,” came the reply — “Today!” We are not to expect Jesus to come tomorrow. We are to look for Him today.

There are some things I don’t want to do:

1. I don’t want to overstate “the good old days.” The good old days had plenty of problems, just like the present age does.
2. I don’t want to retire and quit and say, “Let all the younger persons take over.” In Old Testament times, Rehoboam could have saved the kingdom of Judah if he had listened to the sober counsel of the older men instead of the rash advice of the younger set (1 Kings 12:1-16).
3. I don’t want to reverse my position on the authority of the Bible, on the need for nonconformity to the world, and on the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. I have no intention of being swept off my feet by falling for new trends that are only fads.

There is a sense of fulfillment in passing the 70th marker because it is a Scriptural goal, and it is a fitting climax to our life here on earth. In 70 years, one gathers up lots of memories, from the early days of childhood in the first part of the 20th century, to the fast pace of the jet age. I wish I would have lived the years better than I did, but I am grateful to God that by His grace they were not worse. I am confident that the Lord’s unseen Hand was guiding my life even when I did not know it.

When my journey here in this life is over, I could wish that all whose lives I have touched along the way, might be able to say to some degree, I perceive that this (was) a holy man of God who passed by us continually” (2 Kings 4:9, KJV).

Prayer: Lord, your have guarded our coming into the world at the time of birth; you protected us during the days of youth; you have been with us during the trials of adulthood. And now in old age, we believe you are the same caring God.

Harold S. Martin
Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren
Lititz, Pa.

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Aging Is A Journey . . . And So Is Prayer

“Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22)

“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” (Matthew 26:39)

It was October 1956. I turned 7 years old that month. But, more importantly, the New York Yankees — my team — were in the World Series. They were playing the Brooklyn Dodgers who had won their first World Series in 1955. Both teams had enjoyed outstanding seasons but as the baseball season drew toward a close, the Yankee pitchers were struggling. In the first two games of the 1956 World Series, the Yankees lost to the Dodgers by scores of 6-3 and 13-8.

The Yankees were down 2 games to none in the best of 7 series, and commentators reminded us that no team had ever lost 3 games and come back to win the World Series. As a 7-year-old Yankee fan, things were desperate. What was I to do? Of course, the answer was obvious — I would pray. I would pray for the Yankees to not only win game 3 but to win the World Series. After all, had not Jesus said, “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.”

So when the two neighbor girls (Dodger fans, of course) began to taunt and tease me about the Dodgers winning the first two games of the World Series, I was not worried. I had a secret plan. Finally, with full confidence, I revealed to them that I was not worried because I had begun to pray that God would cause the Yankees to win the next game and the World Series!

Now, you need to know that in addition to being neighbors, these two girls attended the same church that I did. And somewhere along the line, we must have had different Sunday School teachers, for they were quick to inform me that praying for the Yankees to win was not a fair prayer. They informed me that it was not fair for us to ask God, in prayer, to choose between the two teams. And besides, they added, what if others were praying for the Dodgers to win?

I had not thought of that!

In the years since, I have come to understand that God is not a “Heavenly Bellhop” to be called upon to fulfill our every desire. I have come to understand prayer as the opportunity to get our will in line with God’s will so that God’s will may be done on earth as it is in heaven.

I confess that I, and other Christians I know, are still tempted to offer prayers asking God to take sides rather than to use prayer as an opportunity to get our will in line with God’s will so that God’s will may be done on earth as it is in heaven. Annual Conference has called the church to a renewed emphasis on prayer. As we continue to mature in our prayer life, may we overcome this temptation in order to discern God’s will for us and for this church we love.

Prayer: God, help us to mature in our prayer life from child-like prayers asking you to do our will to a more Christ-like prayer asking that your will be done. This we would pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Herman Kauffman
Northern Indiana District Pastor
Nappanee, Ind.

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Aging As Hope and Promise

In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright . . . (Psalm 92:14-15a)

I am delighted to be the age that I am becoming! I am enjoying the newness which comes with letting go of some things and taking on other things which fit my current interest and abilities.

It has not always been that way. There was a time in my early life when I could not age quickly enough to have all the advantages of “older persons.” I felt that I was never the right age!

Then there was a time when it seemed that I stayed a certain age for years! Life went on in its ordinary ways and everybody was busy making do with what we had been given. Now comes this age.

The Psalmist spoke of old age as to “bring forth fruit” and to be ever “full of sap and green.” Or to put it another way, to be full of “vim and vigor!” Bearing fruit is the best description of this time in my life. The planting is continuing, but the fullness of the ideas has given me a new identity and focus.

I am inviting each of us to move from fear and dread to hope and grace. I am inviting each of us to find the balance of living with the past of uncertain futures to living into the hope of new tomorrows.

Prayer: Gracious God, whose span of life is before us, with us and in the future — grant us your peace and hope. Thank, you for the strength you have shown during the times when life was not so easy and I faltered. And, thank you, God, for the fullness of life as I have known it with all of its joys and its discoveries which have given purpose and strength to my life. Now, I thank you for giving me this age in my life as I fill it with my own potential and gifts. Amen.

Jim Tomlonson
New Beginnings Church of the Brethren
Warrensburg, Mo.

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The Promise of Life

Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. (John 10:1)

In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. (Acts 2:17)

Jesus promised life abundant. One pictures a cup full and overflowing. Yet at times we are tempted to envision only the overstuffed life of constant motion. It may even be confused with the life characterized by the jet setters’ frantic flight from one pocket of prosperity to another. A constipation with consumption. A kind of activity associated with the young, the hale and hearty.

Yet as I have walked with those whose years move ever nearer to the century mark, I have seen a far different richness of life. A clear fulfillment of what Jesus must have meant when he spoke of having life abundantly. And it is the kind of abundance that is not dependent on age, wealth, or even physical well-being. It is a wealth of spirit; an abundance of joy.

Consider Amelia. (A real person, but not her real name.) Her life has included many of the losses that seem to haunt or even destroy some. At 90 plus years she has diabetes and a heart defect. She can’t move unaided. Her thumbs and first fingers are numb. She is legally blind, coping with macular degeneration. Death has claimed parents, sister, brothers, her beloved husband, and many friends.

Yet Amelia moves ahead. She can no longer quilt, knit or crochet. Some years ago she had to give up even reading with a light magnifying glass, but she rejoices in having talking books from the State Library Service for the Blind. And nothing has yet been able to defeat her radiant spirit or her delightful sense of humor.

When asked about her faith, Amelia responded, “I have a lot of faith. Faith is what gets you through so much. I don’t get depressed. I whistle, sing the old songs. That helps a lot. Just have faith.” And Jesus said, “that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Amelia has the secret. And she is not alone.

Many speak of the hardships of aging. Yet we shouldn’t forget the other side of the coin. There is still that promise of life abundant — full of rich memories, experience in the art of living well, dreams that point beyond the visions of youth. And all around us, if we look, is a rich treasure store of those who have weathered the storms and have much to share for those of us following behind.

Prayer: Gracious God, we are grateful for the gift of life abundant. Grant that we might receive that gift at whatever age we find ourselves. Enable us to walk in faith and courage, with the vision needed to recognize the beauty and promise often hidden from view. Allow us to be numbered among those who claim the fullness of Christ’s promise at every stage of our journey. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Joan Deeter, Chaplain
Timbercrest Church of the Brethren Home
North Manchester, Ind.

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Run with Perseverance

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us . . . (Hebrews 12:1)

Out of my experience of 44 years of ministry with older adults, I have naturally become a student of the aging journey. If we are fortunate enough to be aging, then we are enjoying the precious gift of life that has been ours since birth. The aging journey actually begins at conception.

We all grow and change as we age. It has always been clear that children change as they get older. But not until recently has it become equally clear that adults change as they age. Dr. Richard H. Gentile says, it is not unusual to hear adults talk about their biological clocks running out, having a mid-life crisis, or experiencing job stress. Adults have a variety of life experiences, and no two lives are the same. We all have different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, educational attainment and vocational opportunities, friends and relationships, and health conditions. Throughout life we develop, change and grow — but not at the same rate or in the same way, and although we most often think of the physical and psychological changes that occur throughout our journey, change can and does occur in spiritual development.

Our faith journey, by which we consciously grow in the life of Christ through worship, prayer, study, and service, is a central task of the church. To grow in discipleship along the journey, we need a deepening relationship with God and community, solid resources, and a positive environment that will help undergird our faith development and growth.

With the Baby Boomer age wave ready to crest and fall upon the shores of American society, it is an appropriate time to ask, how will we approach our aging journey? Will it be from a center of fear and dread or will we define it with hope, grace and balance? Will we perpetuate the cultural agism or chart a new course on the journey that leads to a positive perception on aging?

As we enter this twenty-first Century of the “journey marked out for us,” the church, through the ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, takes seriously the role of developing and implementing an intentional ministry to assist congregations and individuals in relating to God through Jesus Christ as we live and run out our faith journey with endurance.

Prayer: O Lord of the journey, we thank you for this time we may pause and be grateful for the gift of life and the experiences along the way. Bless us, challenge us, and help us face the journey with hope, grace and balance. Amen.

Lester Kesselring
The Palms of Sebring
Sebring, Fla.

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Fresh and Full of Sap

Read Psalm 92:1-5, 12-15

The richness and “rightness” of this Psalm was opened to me by Bob Neff as he led Bible Study at my first National Older Adult Conference. Bob broke open the scripture with excitement — often word by word — to reveal its depth and challenge to my life. With this scripture, I became heartened and intrigued with the thought of bearing fruit in my old age . . . being fresh and full of sap . . . even flourishing! Amazing!

Though I’ve had a positive view of aging, I began to think about a more pro-active way of growing older, buoyed by the Psalmist’s vision. Though he was able to live only about half of my life-expectancy, the Psalmist’s experience of God’s steadfast love and the Psalmist’s faithful response declared that old age is a time for flourishing and continuing growth, rather than a time for slowly waning into oblivion! To view aging as a time to be “always green and full of sap, showing that God is upright” revealed to me that old age is a time of life with important things to do! It’s not the time for God’s loved and faithful ones to decrease time or interest in meaningful pursuits. Old age is a time for me to produce good things, enhance my skills and share more widely, not less! Aging provides the opportunity to feed the next generations with the good stuff that’s been growing throughout my life and to ensure that I am still “full of sap” and greening! Retirement is an opportunity to gear up and produce the best of my life, not a time to slack off and leave the world’s problems for the next generation to solve. It’s time for full steam ahead!

Then I became part of the National Older Adult Ministry Cabinet. We studied Ken Dychtwald’’s book The Age Wave and it became clear to me that those of us who are aging are not just able to bear fruit, but we are in a unique position to accept the challenge to give our time and resources to address some of the crunch issues that this huge wave of Baby Boomers is bringing to our unprepared society. Indeed, as faithful believers in the God of justice and peace, we have an obligation to use our subsidized time to benefit others; to use our time and wisdom to address critical issues that still abound in the world. This is hardly a time to “take it easy” with little engagement in the world God so loves. It’s a time to express our thankfulness to our Creator, who has steadfastly loved us throughout our long lives and who is not about to “retire” from loving us!

When I unexpectedly found myself between calls in traditional ministry last year, I was surprised to discover that I was now one of the fortunate few who could choose to use my time in anyway that I desired. Suddenly I became aware that I had more resources of experience, income and personal influence than any other time in my life! What a gift! And as a person of faith, what a responsibility! So the question became, how shall I spend the next 20 or 30 years of my life? What is God calling me to do with all that I have learned, experienced or agonized about when I had little time to pursue them? Which areas that have tugged at my spirit shall I now pursue? Now it feels like the biggest decisions of my life are ahead of me, not behind me! The Psalmist is right . . . because God through Christ has been so much a part of my life all these years, I am “green and full of sap!” Whatever shall I do with it?

First, I decided I wanted an anointing/service of dedication for the “green and growing” years of my subsidized years. Just as we pause at other critical life passages, such as baptism and marriage, to ask God’s blessing and guidance, this life passage calls for prayerful intentionality. I have no guarantee of how many years I will live, just as I didn’t know when I was baptized or married, but whatever years I have will be dedicated to being engaged in God’s world, not disengaging from issues and persons who need attention. Those of us privileged to know God through Christ Jesus for all these years have experiences the next generation needs. Let’s not fizzle out on the home stretch, but live out of thanksgiving with sap overflowing all the able days of our life.

Prayer: O God, our help in all our past ages, we thank you for being with us every step of the way! When adversaries surrounded us, you prepared the promised table and brought us through it, still green and growing, wiser because of our hurts and your healing. Give us courage to spend these special final years on earth wisely and lovingly, working with you and others to bring peace, justice and unabashed love to all we meet and to all that we are able to do. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.

Mary Cline Detrick
Older Adult Ministry Cabinet
Harrisonburg, Va.

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Straining Forward to What Lies Ahead

Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

I will be on the first wave of Baby Boomers who enter older adult status. I approach this new adventure with the spirit of the above text. Paul did not consider that he had already arrived in being all that Christ wanted him to be, rather, he considered it a privilege to press on in fulfilling the call of God in Jesus Christ.

Much that I have learned in my life journey has resulted from the special privileges I have had to serve the church as a pastor and a district executive/minister. An incident early in my pastoral work has served me well as I press on in living out the call of God. I remember being frustrated with the fact that I did not seem to have the right words or even know how to best work at problems and issues in ministry. One day in a conversation with my mentor I was lamenting how little I knew and how awkward ministry felt. I shared that I wished I could be like another neighboring pastor who appeared to have all of the right answers. With a glimmer in his eye my mentor intoned, “Randy, when you have been in ministry for 20 years [like the person I was admiring] you will be a pastor who has 20 years of experience.” Wow, what a lesson!

What will it be like to be an older adult? I am not sure. I know I admire numerous persons whom I have watched gracefully move into this stage of life. I hope I can be like them.

One thing is for sure . . . I will never be like them unless I keep pressing on to fulfill the call of God in Jesus Christ.

How do I want to live my way into that stage? It will be my goal to keep myself spiritually fit through Bible study, prayer and meditation. I want to read widely and take continuing education to learn all that I can. I don’t want to quit living or sharing what I have learned, once I retire. Yes, I hope to slow down a bit and set new priorities. But I also want to be useful — Christ’s work never ends! My hope in the later years will be found in the same source that offers hope to me now . . . God who loves us and goes with us even unto the end of our lives. I have had the great privilege of having been mentored by some very wise, capable men and women. I hope I, too, can be a mentor to new ministers, to youth seeking to understand the connection of faith with life, and to new district executives continuing to serve the church.

The Apostle Paul was committed to be in Christ and be about the work of Christ until the end of his life. A worthy goal for which to strive! Robert Browning in “Rabbi Ben Ezra” said it a bit differently, but I like his positive outlook: “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first is made.”

Prayer: O God of all ages and of our aging, You are the one who leads us forward to find the best that is yet to be. Grant that we might age with dignity and hope by keeping our eyes and hearts focused on the call of God through Jesus Christ. May this be so, that no matter our age, we can be the presence of Christ in word and deed in all circumstances and wherever we are called to serve. Help us make this the goal we press toward. Amen.

Randy Yoder
District Executive
Middle Pennsylvania District

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Glorious, Wonderful Light

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from darkness. (Genesis 1:3-4)

For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. (John 1:9)

It is a natural, normal supposition that the first act of creation would have to be the emergence of light into the dark and frightful chaos. Light was the grand priority in the mind of the ancient writer who has given us a spiritual picture of creation. Not surprisingly, the element of light has remained an all-important factor in life through all those uncharted ages right up to our present day.

Some of us remember the powerful rendition of an anthem entitled “The Creation” by the Manchester College A Cappella Choir more than 50 years ago. The basses graphically depicted the deep, dark void with several measures of very low, rumbling tones, but soon the entire choir harmoniously fairly shouted the words, “AND THERE WAS LIGHT!” The Creator overwhelmed the utter darkness with glorious light, and pronounced it good.

Light has the capacity to attract and guide, to heal and strengthen. Roy Warke, in his book, In Search of the Living God, reflects on the reality that the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ attracts a wide variety of followers. Drawn to the one true light, these followers easily draw closer to each other in a spiritual unity. Further, the light that surrounded Paul on the way to Damascus served to guide him into a new, effective life.

Light has a healing and strengthening quality. In the realm of nature, my horticulturist daughter has to remind me that plants must have sufficient light to grow, mature and flower. When the short, dark days of winter breed sadness and tiredness among us, the remedy is usually found in providing enough light to refreshen the body and quicken one’s spirit. Thus, for our physical and spiritual health, we need to use gratefully God’s wonderful gift of light and to ever point our lives toward Jesus, the true light, which enlightens everyone. Then with the Psalmist we declare, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Ps. 27:1a).

Prayer: Compassionate Creator, Author of Light and Life, fill us with your divine rays of love, wisdom, understanding and peace. Use us to assist in directing your healing and enabling light into areas of doubt, disease, loneliness and despair. Shed your glory upon us and upon all your creation. Through Christ we pray. Amen.

Richard D. Speicher
Older Adult Ministry Cabinet
Youngstown, Ohio

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Remember

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)

Recently, I found myself in an earnest conversation with a man who suffers from short-term memory loss. With dismay he talked about how difficult it is to be around people when you know that you will either repeat yourself or find yourself forgetting everything that has been said just 30 seconds before. He said, “I have no problem with long term memory. So, I spend too much time remembering those parts of my life that are filled with pain.” He told me that he doesn’t feel useful anymore. The next second his face is lost in a smile I get lost in.

I have been pondering that conversation for days now. Memories are powerful things. A smell, a word, a picture can propel me back to good or bad memories. As I think of this man I realize what it must be like to be controlled by memory.

As often happens, there is so much I wish I had said. I wish I had invited the man with the generous smile to remember, instead of being controlled by his memory. I wish I had invited him to remember those things that are not just part of his short-term memory but have been with him all his life. The Apostle Paul says, “I thank God every time I remember you.” When we take communion we hear the words of Jesus at the Last Supper, “This is my body . . . my blood, do this in remembrance of me.” After the resurrection Jesus says to his disciples, “Remember, I am with you to the end of the age.” Wherever we are along the journey of aging we are invited to remember that God is with us. I wish I had told him that even when we cannot remember, God still remembers us. There is a wisdom, a love, a forgiveness, and a grace beyond our memory and ourselves. I wish I had invited him to live in hope, not pain. I wish I had invited him to remember that God loves him, even to the end of the age.