Wear the Badge But Display it Properly

I remember the first time I was asked if I wanted a Seniors menu. The thoughts that run through my mind we’re very negative. I didn’t take the menu. I ordered off of the “I’m Not A Senior” menu! I could still break 80 golfing and do 5 chin-ups and 25 push-ups! I’m not close to being a “Senior” yet, how dare you!

It wasn’t til a couple years later that I begin to realize how programmed I have become in the way I think about being a “senior”!

The Program: When you’re a “Senior”, you have crossed a terrible line! It’s wheelchairs and walkers. You can’t remember anything anymore to say nothing about seeing and hearing! You’re certainly not useful. Life is basically over! Go sit in the corner and drool! Someone will come and feed you. You can’t be trusted with anything sharp! You have one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel!

Well, you get the point. So we just deny we’re Seniors and somehow, miraculously, we do well! (Even though we are actually seniors! But don’t tell anyone!) But, we’re not a “Senior”, whew! And please, don’t call me that!

Hey, life happens! You cannot avoid aging! Thank God for wheelchairs and walkers! For some folks, it keeps ‘em in the game!

But the vast majority of people in their late 50’s through their 80’s and sometimes 90’s are still sharp and wise and valuable and life experienced. Their value and example to family and the church is incalculable! On my Mom’s 90th birthday, she preached both Sunday services at New Life Community Church, Fair Oaks, Calif, went to a birthday lunch with family and them went zip-lining! You go, Mom!

Remember, when you were a Sophomore in High School, you couldn’t wait to be a Senior! You would be “top dog” then! Same was true in College! In business, many companies have a position of “Senior” Vice President. You for sure wouldn’t shun that “Senior” label. But when you talk about a person’s age, making them a “Senior”, distancing ones self from such a label is a life imperative!

If you think that way you are cheating yourself, big time! Read the Scriptures below. This is a time of incredible value and earned respect.

I think maybe I’ll have some Senior badges made and some Senior shirts that have a message on the back that says something like this: “I’m a Senior, and so proud to be one! I walked through a lot valleys and over a lot of mountains, through lots of ups and downs, troubles and joys to get here! I earned this badge! I wear it with pride! How can my 6 + decades of life experience serve you?”

On our last Seniors With Purpose Missions trip to Managua, Nicaragua, we had a team of 7 wonderful “Seniors”. We were there to do repair work on a children’s ministry facility next to the city dump. One of 18 campuses of Nathan and Christine Alfaro and the church they pastor, Casa De Mi Gloria. Our Team average age was 73!

When we arrived on site, we met Ada, the director of the ministry. One of our team, Laura Paschall, a retired AGWM Missionary, spoke to Ada and asked what she thought when she saw 7 white haired people walk in and there was a lot of hard work to be accomplished. I’ll bet you looked at us and said, “Oh no! They will never get anything done!” Ada replied, “No! When I saw all that white hair I saw wisdom and experience and said to myself, this is going to be great!” And, she was right!

I love being a Senior! I will proudly wear the badge and display it openly! However, the experience and wisdom the decades of living for Christ brings should be exercised in humility, thankfulness and altruistic love. May the Senior Badge be displayed on those three wonderful, Godly traits!

Reaching the place in life where you are a Senior, should be energizing and fulfilling. More equipped than ever to be used by God! Here’s a few Scriptures!

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Prov 16:31

Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. Job 12:12

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” Ps 92:12-15

So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. Ps 71:18

“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.

Look for more “Senior Scriptures” in future Blogs.

Until then, Blessings and “No Coasting To The Finish Line”

Wayne Clark

STXAGM

Seniors With Purpose