When my husband passed away with pancreatic cancer a few years ago, I wondered what I was going to do with the rest of my life. After almost 49 years of marriage to a minister, I had led a busy, delightful, exciting life. We had moved back and forth across the country several times starting new churches, holding evangelism conferences, attending church conventions, visiting missionaries, and serving God in many capacities. Church planting was always my favorite of all the ministries in which we had been involved.
After my husband’s death, I found myself grieving deeply as I kept a lonely vigil, walking around our beautiful retirement home and visiting his grave at the cemetery. I believe the grieving process is natural and necessary, and is part of God’s plan when we lose those we love. Grieving causes believers to cling to the Lord and trust Him completely to carry us through this trying time. And God certainly proved Himself faithful to strengthen me as I made funeral arrangements, selected a grave marker, cancelled my husband’s cell phone and credit cards, filed federal and state taxes, and completed a mountain of legal matters.
However, I also did some practical things that greatly helped me through this very difficult grieving process. I continued to teach the women’s Bible class and also played the organ at my local church. I had more time to spend in prayer and Bible study now that I had fewer housekeeping duties. But when the opportunity came for me to make a major move to the San Tan Valley, Arizona area to help in the establishing of Christ’s Church Free Will Baptist, I jumped at the chance! Now I am actively involved in the church music program and doing volunteer church clerical work.
It would be easy as senior saints for us to use our increasing age and declining health to “rest on our accomplishments” and become inactive in the work of God. However, I believe these years can be some of our most productive for Christ. Here are some things I want to suggest to all senior saints, no matter the age, health, or circumstances, to keep us involved in ministry in the “golden years” of our lives:
1. Take care of your health; eat right, exercise regularly, and control body weight. Certainly we experience declining health and become less active as we age. Many times debilitating diseases strike us, but as good stewards of our “temples”, we need to do our part to stay healthy.
2. Work on your personal appearance. We don’t need to look dowdy, drab, dated, dull or dreary just because we are older. We can be modest and conservative, yet still be up to date in our dress styles. As senior saints we need to do our best to set an example to younger people who are “dressing down” in today’s society. Let’s set an example to them by dressing our very best for church services and always look nice when we go out in public.
3. Down size and simplify your life. Many senior saints have too much “stuff”! Our houses and garages can become very cluttered. We need to have pity on our children and grandchildren and get rid of our “trash and treasures” while we are alive so they won’t have to do it when we die. Besides, the less “stuff” we have to worry about, the less housekeeping we will have. This will free up more time to serve the Lord.
4. Stay active mentally by constantly learning new software on the computer. Make your life easier by learning to pay bills and taxes online. Communicate with your family, friends and missionaries by email. Use Bible software to prepare Sunday School and Bible lessons. Read good books and study God’s word as long as eyesight permits. When and if eyesight fails, listen to God’s word and good Christian music on CD or use an .mp3 player.
5. Listen to the news and stay knowledgeable about current affairs. Vote and stay politically and socially involved. Don’t become a “couch potato” or a hermit who never leaves the house.
6. Stay busy for God and active in your local church. Talk to your pastor about starting a senior prayer breakfast or potluck luncheon. Continue to be a witness for Christ. If you can’t see to drive a car, use the telephone to contact prospects and absentees. Since you have more leisure time, write or send emails to missionaries on the field and assure them of your prayers.
7. Get involved in ministries that are new to you. Go on mission trips with your church youth group. Be willing to sell out, move to a new area, take a new position and enter a new ministry.
8. Be a good steward of your life’s savings. Be generous with your giving. Pay your tithes and give to missions and benevolent causes. Remember God’s work in your will. Set your house in order legally. It is important to have a current will and living will, giving power of attorney and medical instructions if or when you become incapable of making decisions.
There is never a time for a child of God to sit down and quit working for the Lord. I believe the senior years offer many wonderful opportunities for ministry. Most senior saints are retired and no longer work at secular jobs. We can vegetate, become TV addicts, and sleep our lives away - or we can use the “golden years” to accomplish much for the Lord. So, let’s get busy and stay busy for God!
