CONSIDER ASPECTS OF AGING

There seems to be a Walgreen's at every corner. You know, the corner of "happy and healthy. "

So....why is it the queue at the Walgreen's checkout seems to have many unsmiling folks with walkers, canes and sad eyes and an assistant who holds their arm! Many of these seniors, "keenagers" as FUMC in Hoptown calls them, seem to frequent the corner of sad/lonely & unhealthy, because of the life curves aging sends their way.

They get their red noses and red eyes from some of life's struggles, not from frequenting Walgreen's. (Although I do like Walgreen's premise of "Red Nose" Day to feed the hungry!)


Ministering to widows has given me a front row seat to aging. Unhealthy seems to show no partiality---not gender, not race, not religion and sometimes not even age. But when aging is one of the components of the affliction, one can use extra measures of grace---God's grace that is!

Many must make hard choices and changes in their latter years. So the key seems to be attitudinal.
God does not forsake us as we age and some of them cling to that truth!
Even when I'm old and gray (or glow in the dark white, DAL) as Psalm 73:23-24 reminds us.

Aging does bring many changes---some physical, some mental and many emotional, BUT GOD is in control and can aid us as we accept and then adapt. I know because I've seen it up close and personal in the lives of many of "my" widow friends.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

Their lives have brought scriptural truth alive for me as I consider their lives.

Commi-TEA-ment to Ministry

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. (2 Timothy 4:5, NLT)

How does one know if she is fully carrying out her God given ministry? She just keeps loving Him and serving Him by loving and serving others.

Sometimes ministry goes beyond one's street to meet someone at her point of need elsewhere in the community. The cuppa minis-TEA-ry might look a little different at each turn but if one seeks to bless those whom God has put in her path, even 45+ years ago,  she will serve them on their terms, according to their needs and their desires.

A cuppa minis-TEA-ry might be sweet, iced and served with 2 slices of lemon if one really seeks to serve another according to the recipient's pleasure. Whatever it takes. Whatever it looks like. Pleasing others in the household of faith pleases Him.**

**This blog was written early today as a result of a hospital visit yesterday. This afternoon I received a call from that long-time friend and sister in Christ, Melody. Her hubby died this afternoon. Such a shock. More ministry is needed for this "young" widow---young enough to have been rice girl at our '69 wedding. I don't know where to begin except on my knees seeking His mercy, comfort and guidance.

"heart-TEA-ly"

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. (Colossians 3:23, KJV) 

Wholeheartedly. That's the way a life of ministry should be lived. My ministry "appointments" seem insignificant if balanced on a scale of greatness, But God.....in His word, reminds me that all things done for His sake should be done enthusiastically----with all my heart. 

Changing diapers on a baby or a grown-up. Feeding one or feeding many. Donating little or giving lots.

Even my morning cuppa for my "Tea with Thee" time---a heart-TEA brew of rich black assam tea leaves. May I celebrate each moment I have with Thee, regardless of the time frame. 

May I continue to savor and serve "heart-TEA-ly today as I venture out on my "small" missions. May they be divine appointments that honor the Lord.