Faith

Many responsibilities can be like quicksand. They are easy to get involved in but difficult to leave behind. Any person who is willing to be helpful will likely experience that phenomena. How do we disengage when we get old? The following are a few personal examples.

Some people certainly have better memories than do others. Norma and I have been doing care center visitation and volunteering for many years. The age and rate of memory loss can vary tremendously. We have a very dear friend named Larry who is 93 years old. Physically he needs an assistant along with his walker to go any place. We talk about things we did together 40 years ago. He remembers the details and even why we did them.

School is out and students are generally doing something quite different. This can be either a time of pain or pleasure for the family. With a little planning, hopefully, the family can have some quality time together. Obviously no two families are exactly alike.

The most quoted and prayed prayer in all of Christendom is likely the model prayer that Christ gave His disciples. We call it “The Lord’s Prayer.” Perhaps we should call it the disciples prayer. He taught us as His disciples to pray that prayer.

There is an old hymn that states that yesterday is gone and tomorrow may not come. It may have been many years since we last heard it. The truth of it never changes — make the most of today. Occasionally, we meet people who think mostly about the past or the future. Certainly our past failures and victories can help us today. Likewise what we do today can have a significant  affect for our future.

Everyday is a day when we give thanks for the blessings that we receive. The story of the early pilgrims gets special attention in the fall season. The birth of our Lord is remembered during December. We have just finished another Good Friday and Easter weekend time of giving special thanks. At meal time we sit down, bow our heads and give thanks for our food.

Recently, I was out taking a walk. For all who go walking we have something in common. It is a good time to think, daydream and remember things from the past. I also find it a good time to review significant ideas that were memorized over the years. It can also be a convenient time to pray. Since we can do two exercises at the same time, it need never be a waste of time.