In a book Im reading, the author relates that he had met with a friend who was starting a ministry for people over 50. As they discussed their plans, they decided that they needed to help those people invest their lives in future generations. Although I understand their reasoning, that conclusion doesnt sit well with me. In our youth oriented society, life revolves around the young. While I certainly think that assisting and encouraging those who are younger is a valid endeavor, it shouldnt in my opinion be the focus of ministry to older believers. Instead, I believe effective ministry should be to assist them in discovering their desires and encouraging them to fulfill their dreams. My 14 year old granddaughter plays the violin and last week we went to see her play with a junior symphony orchestra. The concert was held at a retirement home and, as we were leaving, I began talking to one of the residents. He was walking with a walker and was wearing a breathing apparatus so he must have had some health related issues. He commented that its wonderful that there are so many opportunities available for young people that were not available when we were young. He also told me that hes 89 years old and had been playing the cello for a year. How wonderful! It thrilled me to see an older man who was living his dream. I have an older friend who is in his 70s who emails me from time to time and tells me what hes been doing to spread the message of grace. His excitement and enthusiasm are contagious. Hes living his dream and whenever I receive an email from him, Im inspired to continue moving forward in mine. There are dreams that have laid dormant for years, maybe even for decades, and its time to awaken them. They need to be brought to fulfillment and age should never be a deterrent to moving forward into our desires. Instead, that should be a time to press forward into them as never before. I believe the greatest encouragement the younger generation can receive is to see those of an older generation moving forward and continuing to live out the dreams that God has placed in their hearts.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 13:39:48 +0000
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