Thank God for Grandparents!

I love senior citizens... love them!  Did I mention that I love them? 

Our society has seriously missed out by not appreciating these dear saints and taking the time to listen and learn from their stories - even if it means hearing them 2 or 3 times :)

I love to spend time with these seasoned children of God.  I love to get hugs from grandmas and have grandpas give me firm handshakes.  I love the way their eyes glisten when they share stories of "the good old days" and I delight to hear them pray and speak of God's faithfulness.  Lord, let me live for you until I am 120 years old!!!

This week reminded me once again how blessed I am by those who have lived selflessly for Jesus so that I can stand today. There are no lone-ranger Christians and none of us can take credit for where we are without pointing to hundreds of people who have prayed, sacrificed and cheered us on.  While I could share dozens of stories of senior loved ones who have impacted my life, here are just a few that come to mind:

+ My grandma Mary Ann goes to church numerous times a week to meet with the Lord.  She always has a hug for me and makes the best poached eggs on earth.

+ My grandpa Warren used to be an itinerant preacher in rural North Dakota.  I will never forget our conversations about God and the image and he and my grandma kneeling in prayer for each of their children and grandchildren.  

+ My great uncle Russ was a humble man who graciously displayed Christ to those in need.  He used to let me sit next to him near the back at church (I think I embarrassed him a bit by my loud singing).  

+ My Grand Forks friend Helney spent time with me weekly when I was in the fifth grade to help me memorize and recite Scripture with passion.  "Love must be sincere!"  I will never forget her coaching.

+ My sweet hostess Sylvia called her guest room "the prophet's chamber" when I stayed with her in Minot.  We had some amazing times of prayer together for our loved ones.

+ My Minneapolis friend Bob has led a Bible study for 30 years with over 20 men meeting weekly.  After meeting these men only once, a number of them have already begun volunteering with PULSE.

+ My new friend Wally has been gathering hundreds of seniors each month for 25 years to give away God's Word.  Among the many saints I met at their meeting was Millie, a 97 year who gives selflessly so others can have the Bible and still drives around to pick up other seniors who cannot make it to obligations.

There are numerous others I could mention who have had a profound impact on me.  I praise God for those who have invested into my life and pray that I can have a similar legacy in the lives of others.

The Psalmist says in PSALM 145, "One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.  They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty." 

While we often visualize this encouragement coming from older generations to those of us who are younger (which is clearly important and needed), I think those of us who are younger have a part to play.

When David says, "One generation commends your works to another..." doesn't it seem to leave it open to younger members encouraging the elder?  Haven't you experienced a child singing that made you smile OR a teenager with passion that challenged your heart?  We can easily build a Biblical case for multi-generational partnership in the body of Christ... even Acts 2 speaks of young men having visions and older men dreaming dreams.  What is a vision without a dream OR a dream without vision? 

Bottom line, WE NEED EACH OTHER!!!

Now, I'm not writing an online post hoping to reach out to seniors (although Facebook is being taken over by older people).  I'm writing this in hopes that it can encourage those of us who are younger to pray for and encourage those who are at a later season in life.  Many of us feel a passion to serve God.  Maybe you often want to do something but do not know where to begin.  I want to encourage you to look to the senior generation as a great place to listen and learn, and exercise the skills for ministry.

When was the last time you prayed for your grandparents rather than just asking them for something?  Don't you think they can get discouraged at times?  When was the last time you stepped out of your way to offer encouragement or help to an elderly person?  There are facilities filled with seniors who are alone and would love someone to spend a half hour just listening and encouraging them.

These saints have tried their best to live a life of meaning.  Whether they have hit the mark and have much to teach us OR have missed it and are just waiting for someone to show them the way... the door is wide open for you to play a part.

PSALMS 71:18, Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Too Many Haters ...

I don't think anyone enjoys being criticized. 

So why do we criticize?

In our culture we believe so strongly in the freedom of expression, but that freedom doesn't end with, "Be yourself." Rather, that expression looks more like, "Be youself... and then be prepared to have others say it's not good enough." Everyone's a critic. Whether it's the movies, music, political, fashion, or more personal things like people's occupations, how they look, or even what their laugh sounds like... we live in a world that insists on commenting on everything. 

That's not to say it's always a bad thing. There are causes that need a voice and certainly there are times when we must stand against the tide. Friends step into bad situations and it takes a friend to say something... even if it's just saying, "Here's a breathmint." And there are much more serious causes that we must stand for and comment on. We must fight for those who are hurting and downtrodden: the orphan, the widow, the refugee, and the AIDS victim in a country that we may never visit. We must also be bold when it comes to things that hold significant meaning to our lives: friendship, love, and faith. Yet all to often it seems we remain silent when a voice was needed, and speak too quickly when it's at someone's expense.

Sometimes I think that we forget the power of our words. 

In Proverbs it says, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

I'll be the first to confess my tendency is to be reckless with my words. There are many that I've hurt. Whether it was because my opinions differed, my confidence was low, or to please the crowd... it really doens't matter. It hurts to be at the other end of criticism. And when reflection comes, it hurts to think that we have caused others pain.

Today is a new day. Today, let's look for the good in others. Let's listen and try to understand. Let's be messengers of healing rather than pain.