I am a senior adult.
I received my first AARP material in the mail six years ago.
I turned 61 years old two days ago. One of my sons says I am fossilized.
Prayers from a Senior Adult
Have I noticed any differences in my life at this age? Certainly. I move more slowly. My idea of a mini-marathon is running to the kitchen from the family room. I see things differently. I don’t know if I am wiser, but I certainly have different perspectives.
And I have to admit I view church life differently. In fact, I sometimes scare myself with my rigid attitude. I need to write these words quickly lest I become too comfortable or too complacent.
I have five specific prayers. They are for me. They are for my attitude about my church. They are reminders I will need to review constantly.
Five Things I Pray I Will Not Do as a Senior Adult in the Church
1. I pray I will not feel entitled because I am a key financial supporter in the church.
This attitude means I consider the money my money rather than God’s money. That means I am giving with a begrudging heart.
2. I pray I will not say “I’ve done my time” in the church.
Ministry through the local church is not doing your time, like serving a prison sentence. It is an outpouring of joy and thanksgiving to God. I love those churches where senior adults are the most represented among the nursery workers. I need to be among them.
3. I pray I will not be more enthused about recreational trips than ministry and service.
There is nothing wrong about me getting on a bus and going to Branson, Missouri, or Gatlinburg, Tennessee. But there is something wrong when that is my dominant involvement in ministry in the church.
