90 Plus and Going Strong

 I did some pastoral visiting yesterday to a couple of unique ladies. One is 94. She still teaches a class on Sunday mornings. She survived the death of her husband at 40 years old leaving her a widow to raise their three children. Much later one of her sons was murdered. She still radiates the joy of Jesus. Even though she lives alone, she does not feel lonely. It is her ongoing communion with the Lord Jesus Christ that keeps her from being lonely.

I visited another lady who is 93. She still mows her two and half acre place. She told me recently about weed eating her ditch. She is filled with life and energy. I felt like I was talking to a woman at least twenty years younger. She lost her husband seven years ago. She is not overwhelmed with grief, but filled with the joy of the Lord.

I never would have guessed either of these two ladies are in their nineties. They certainly do not act that way. They are vibrant. Active. Tough. Survivors. They inspire me. I am a youngster compared to them. Just because we age does not mean we are useless. God can still use us in our twilight years. We can still maintain joy no matter how old we are. We can still be of service. We can still be active and still keep living the abundant life.

Earlier in the week, I met with a man who is 94. His mind is still sharp. He battles health issues, but I did not detect bitterness or a sour disposition. His wife of 71 years died five years ago. He misses her, but he is not without hope. He trusted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 12. He knows what awaits him in eternity. He is resolved to cling to his faith all the way home to heaven.

I am thankful for the opportunity I had to visit with each of them. Very inspiring. We do not have to grow old and sour. We can still find joy in living even after facing sorrows, trials, and tribulations. May we be like those three in their nineties.