As most of you know by now, I’ve recently past one of those significant birthday milestones. (Thanks to all of you who had a part in my surprise party.) I have been inundated with all kinds of useful advice on getting old. Things like, “Don’t worry if you can’t blow out all the candles on your cake, just beat them out with your cane.” or this one, “Don’t worry about eating healthy, at your age you need all the preservatives, you can get.” Someone sent me a list of 108 stores and restaurants that offer “senior discounts.” I really appreciate the ROGAINE, although I think the pony tail with the glue sticks I received might be the better option.
Birthdays have a way of making us stop and think. It’s a good time to take stock of where we’ve been, what we’ve accomplished, and perhaps most important, what we’ve got left to do. If we’re still here, it must mean that God still has something for us to accomplish.
The Psalmist gives us a perfect prayer to pray every year when our birthday rolls around. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12) Hopefully, I’m not just getting older, but wiser. I would like to think that I’m maturing in character and righteousness.
Here are a couple of things that I am praying for:
(1) “Lord, help me not become an old grouch.” Instead of constantly complaining and grumbling about all my problems, let me the thankful for the daily blessings you give me. Let me be a joyful person.
(2) “Lord keep me flexible.” I’ve been trying some new yoga stretches I read about in “Runner’s World” magazine for my tight hamstrings and hip flexors that seem to be working. Staying flexible spiritually may not always be so easy. I’m trying to remember that God’s message never changes, but His methods do. What worked 30 years ago may not be effective today. And though it is a struggle, I am doing my best to embrace technology.
(3) “Lord, give me a passion for ministry.” One of the good things about getting older is that priorities become a little clearer. You begin to realize the importance of making every minute count. As energy levels decrease, may my passion for reaching the lost and making disciple’s never diminish.
(4) “Lord, enlarge my heart.” I already know I’m becoming a softy in my old age. [I cry when I watch sappy movies or read Max Lucado books] But that’s OK. I want my heart to be more in tune with the Lord’s. I want it to break for the hurting, the poor, the needy in our midst.
I told Rosemary recently that I was thinking about re-inventing myself. My plan was to shave my head, (the theory is with no white hair showing, no one would know how old I am), get some trendy new glasses and start wearing jeans and a T-shirt to preach in. But then I thought, Naw! Embrace your age! Own the wrinkles! You’ve earned them! And besides I got coffee for 50 cents at McDonald’s the other day. Way cool!
Have a great week,
Pastor Barry
Birthdays have a way of making us stop and think. It’s a good time to take stock of where we’ve been, what we’ve accomplished, and perhaps most important, what we’ve got left to do. If we’re still here, it must mean that God still has something for us to accomplish.
The Psalmist gives us a perfect prayer to pray every year when our birthday rolls around. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12) Hopefully, I’m not just getting older, but wiser. I would like to think that I’m maturing in character and righteousness.
Here are a couple of things that I am praying for:
(1) “Lord, help me not become an old grouch.” Instead of constantly complaining and grumbling about all my problems, let me the thankful for the daily blessings you give me. Let me be a joyful person.
(2) “Lord keep me flexible.” I’ve been trying some new yoga stretches I read about in “Runner’s World” magazine for my tight hamstrings and hip flexors that seem to be working. Staying flexible spiritually may not always be so easy. I’m trying to remember that God’s message never changes, but His methods do. What worked 30 years ago may not be effective today. And though it is a struggle, I am doing my best to embrace technology.
(3) “Lord, give me a passion for ministry.” One of the good things about getting older is that priorities become a little clearer. You begin to realize the importance of making every minute count. As energy levels decrease, may my passion for reaching the lost and making disciple’s never diminish.
(4) “Lord, enlarge my heart.” I already know I’m becoming a softy in my old age. [I cry when I watch sappy movies or read Max Lucado books] But that’s OK. I want my heart to be more in tune with the Lord’s. I want it to break for the hurting, the poor, the needy in our midst.
I told Rosemary recently that I was thinking about re-inventing myself. My plan was to shave my head, (the theory is with no white hair showing, no one would know how old I am), get some trendy new glasses and start wearing jeans and a T-shirt to preach in. But then I thought, Naw! Embrace your age! Own the wrinkles! You’ve earned them! And besides I got coffee for 50 cents at McDonald’s the other day. Way cool!
Have a great week,
Pastor Barry
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