I am old- not “old as the hills”, no handicap tag in my car, not as old as I hope to be…but I am definitely well into the “senior” stage of life. So when I hear the word strong, my mind immediately (and rather unfortunately) goes to physical strength. When I was younger and thought about getting old, I never considered the loss of strength. I worried (lifelong flaw) about cancer (not totally unwarranted as both my parents had died younger than I am now) and losing my memory (comes with the territory, but hard to discern what is normal and what is a red flag.) I just never thought about getting weaker. My husband and I bought relatively lightweight kayaks last year, certain that this would be an enjoyable and doable exercise (and it is). We never thought about how we were going to get them up on the roof of our CRV…until we tried and our neighbors came out to ask if we needed help (we have since adapted our strategy so we look a little more graceful and competent). When I look at the schedule of events at the senior center, I ask myself, “Can I still do this?”; when I work out on the machines, it can take a week to recover. The frequent groans when getting out of bed, putting on socks, or getting in and out of our sedan, looking in the mirror and seeing my Mom’s body- all quite discouraging. I do still walk 30 minutes several times a week and, while that doesn’t make me feel stronger, I do feel like I’m making a small attempt at not getting weaker. I am still active, but no, I wouldn’t consider myself physically strong or confident in the flesh. (FYI, Opinions are another issue and my children and husband would definitely affirm that those are uber strong!)
However, my spiritual foundation, the bedrock of my being, is strong and getting stronger as I age. I “asked Jesus into my heart” as a child, participated in youth groups, got involved in a Christian organization in college, have been a missionary on two continents (the wise man built his house upon the rock…). God has been faithful as I’ve grown in my understanding of scripture and in my relationship to Jesus and others. I am continuing to be being transformed, even as I age (God CAN teach an old dog new tricks). My spiritual journey has led me through a number of traditions: Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, Reformed (OK, I still have a problem with infant baptism, but that’s a discussion for another day), as well as worshipping in Kenyan and Indian churches. Every one of those stops along the journey has added breadth, new insights, and, yes, strength to me as a Christ-follower. I am convinced that “God is the one who began this good work in [me] and I am certain that He won’t stop before it is complete on that day that Jesus Christ returns”.
But, then, all of this begs the question: Why do I have to keep reminding myself of the strength that an omnipotent God personally at work in my life has already given me? Why so easy to lament my less than strong body? Why so easy to look at the wind and waves, those situations around me that cause anxiety? Why so easy to feel weak and powerless? O ye of little faith? I recently read a Lenten devotional commenting on Jesus’ reaction to Thomas (still known as Doubting Thomas after more than 2 centuries- and couldn’t that adjective precede every Christian’s name?). Jesus didn’t condemn, didn’t lecture, He simply gave Thomas exactly what he needed. And Jesus, who knows how difficult life on earth is, still does the same today- provides just what we need to keep moving forward… without shaming, criticizing, condemning. I love Paul’s testimony in II Corinthians: “Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size- abuse, accidents, oppositions, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become” The Message. May I more and more follow Paul’s example, able to daily recognize the strength that God daily provides. Lord, hear my prayer.
— cmshingle
However, my spiritual foundation, the bedrock of my being, is strong and getting stronger as I age. I “asked Jesus into my heart” as a child, participated in youth groups, got involved in a Christian organization in college, have been a missionary on two continents (the wise man built his house upon the rock…). God has been faithful as I’ve grown in my understanding of scripture and in my relationship to Jesus and others. I am continuing to be being transformed, even as I age (God CAN teach an old dog new tricks). My spiritual journey has led me through a number of traditions: Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, Reformed (OK, I still have a problem with infant baptism, but that’s a discussion for another day), as well as worshipping in Kenyan and Indian churches. Every one of those stops along the journey has added breadth, new insights, and, yes, strength to me as a Christ-follower. I am convinced that “God is the one who began this good work in [me] and I am certain that He won’t stop before it is complete on that day that Jesus Christ returns”.
But, then, all of this begs the question: Why do I have to keep reminding myself of the strength that an omnipotent God personally at work in my life has already given me? Why so easy to lament my less than strong body? Why so easy to look at the wind and waves, those situations around me that cause anxiety? Why so easy to feel weak and powerless? O ye of little faith? I recently read a Lenten devotional commenting on Jesus’ reaction to Thomas (still known as Doubting Thomas after more than 2 centuries- and couldn’t that adjective precede every Christian’s name?). Jesus didn’t condemn, didn’t lecture, He simply gave Thomas exactly what he needed. And Jesus, who knows how difficult life on earth is, still does the same today- provides just what we need to keep moving forward… without shaming, criticizing, condemning. I love Paul’s testimony in II Corinthians: “Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size- abuse, accidents, oppositions, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become” The Message. May I more and more follow Paul’s example, able to daily recognize the strength that God daily provides. Lord, hear my prayer.
— cmshingle
You sound strong to me, and inspiring!
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