Resting

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"So the people rested on the seventh day."

Exodus 16: 22-30

I heaved myself out of bed this morning, put both feet on the floor, made coffee and read the paper, took a shower, dressed and wanted to go back to bed. My body says will this be another 'slow day.' But before I fret and fume about not being able to do everything for everyone else all the time, I need to acknowledge the reality of my situation and accept myself exactly as I am today – with an aging body that needs more rest – saying with Katherine de Schlegel, "Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side." The Bible, in several places, says the Lord emphasizes the need for rest as His people. He knows we can't be on the go 24/7, especially in our elderly years. He sets us an example. The least I can do is to return this sentiment by admitting I am what I am and what I am is wonderful. And to take care of this aging body with gratitude.

So when I have a 'slow day' – days I need to catch up on my rest – I will pamper myself with simple things. I might have an extra nap or paint my toenails green instead of red or watch a favorite video. Or I might do nothing, have a quiet time with an extra cup of decaf on the balcony watching the Lord's world unfold. It's a day of renewal. Today I need to be there for myself.

Thank you, Lord, for loving me and through the Holy Spirit and scripture teaching me how to take care of this body you gifted me. Help me learn how to join you in your sustaining rest. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

DGoing Toward the Unknown

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"Answer my when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress, be gracious to me and hear my prayer."

Psalm 4

As I journey into the elderly years I need more than ever to know that the Lord is with me. The unknown is dark and scary to me. Darkness hides all sorts of potentially harmful things: ferocious animals (health and financial snares), venous snakes (uncaring health care people and loss of ability to care for myself), lurking enemies (changes I don't want). Any could be waiting just out of sight. That's the trouble with the unknown – you just don't know what's waiting there. A couple of wrong moves could bring disaster.

In the words of Psalm 4 I hear words to still my anxious heart. When I ask God to have mercy and hear my prayer, He does.

As a faithful follower of Christ, God will 'take personal care' of me, counseling and guiding me about dangers I might overlook. He will make known to me His will through the Comforter and be with me as I face the challenges of growing older every day. I have reason to be apprehensive but when I am in the right relationship with God I need not fear. I will do my part: laugh, love and learn something new every day.

Dear Heavenly Father, may I ever seek to know your will for me trusting You will provide for me. Amen.

Freedom

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"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

John 8:32

My daughter visited us at the beach for a few days without her family. When she was leaving she said, "You know, Mom, you have the best of all worlds! You have congenial people living around you that you may visit when you want, yet you have the privacy of your home when you want. You and Vince eat meals in a restaurant or cook at home – and go to a movie when you like. My goodness, such freedom!"

I never thought of being older in years and being 'free' in the same context but she is right. During this time I am grateful to get to write my own script for living each day which is a delicious type of freedom.

Another type of freedom, a more lasting one, is what John records. It comes when I gratefully recognize the number of ways the Lord has intervened in my daily life creating in me a feeling of wonder, certainty, gratitude, and freedom from depression, disappointment and disenchantment. It allows me to walk securely and 'free' each of my days no matter how few or many, sure in the awesome knowledge that as a follower of Jesus Christ my life is in the finest hands.

I know I will not live forever – nor do I want to. But, I don't want to waste my time lamenting the things I cannot do or worrying about the things of tomorrow. While I am here I want the type of joy, freedom, and knowing the truth that being a disciple of Christ brings. And, if I choose, I'll eat my dessert first tonight.

May I continue learning Your word, most gracious and loving Father, as I journey through my elderly years. I thank You for this day which you have made. May I rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.

I am known

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"For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise thee, for thou art fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are thy works! Thou knowest me quite well: my frame is not hid from thee."

Psalm 139:13-14

I gratefully accept that the Lord created me for a purpose – He knew what I would look like, what my abilities are, what my personality would be like. I believe and am awed by the wonder that I was gifted (or made) for the special purpose the Lord has in mind for my life. In my advanced years, I struggle sometimes to know how to carry out those special purposes, although I do not doubt that they are there. I do think that I have not used His gifts to the fullest extent nor always followed His ways and when I worry about these things I take comfort in the fact that this is why Jesus came into this world in the form of a man: to intercede for me.

For all the ups and the downs of my life I thank Him for His loving wisdom in allowing the things that have influenced me, that have allowed me to be open, to respond to His guidance. If things had been different I would not be the person I am.

Accepting that I am "wonderfully made" means knowing that the Lord is not the least bit dissatisfied with my inborn talents, intelligence, appearance, personality. He has plans to use these things to further His kingdom on earth. Therefore, I am one of a kind, an original — uniquely designed.

Dear Lord, I am in awe of You as Maker of the Universe and of mankind. You chose me for one of your missions. I kneel in worship before such a loving power. Amen.

Overwhelmed

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"Come to me, all you that are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11: 28...