Yea, I'm an Octogenarian!
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
(Proverbs 31:25).
I turned eighty this spring. Younger friends were concerned that this would bother me. On the contrary, I wear the term octogenarian with honor.
Christ became my Savior when I was seven. He has been my travel agent on the road of life. I haven’t always taken His route, but I have tried. My desire has always been to please Him though I have failed many times.
Today I want to share with you some of the lessons Jesus has taught me along my journey.
Check your priorities. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (Mark 12:30). God’s Word tells us this is the most important commandment. Where does God fit into your life? Soul searching your priorities may inspire you to make changes.
Life is hard, but our God is always there for us. Being a Christian has not kept me from trials, disappointments and failures. In the darkest hours I have always been able to turn to God for help. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). When I am afraid, I put my trust in you (Psalm 56:3).
Being a Christian is a relationship. Many people claim to be Christians, but God plays little part in their daily life. A Christian honors a relationship with her Savior by spending time with other believers in God’s house, serving Him in various ways and communicating with Him. You are part of God’s family. He wants to talk with you. Call on me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3).
Forgiveness is hard. One of the most difficult tasks of a Christian is to forgive. I am still struggling down this path. However, God doesn’t give us the option of forgiving. Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross He forgave us. We are to follow our Father’s example.
Worry is a sin. My pastor, David Dykes, has told us, “Never sweat the small things, and all things are small things.” Worry is a breakable habit. Don’t take the easy way out and confess, “I’m just a worrier.” You can escape the plight of the worrier by asking God to help you.
God is the Great Creator and He has given us a beautiful world. He wants us to enjoy it and take care of it. Look around. Find places of beauty and enjoy God’s world.
Being thankful honors God. It is easy to thank Him for food, clothing, shelter and family. We sometimes forget to think Him for the simple blessings in life. Find joy in the simple things in life. Gaze at a sunset or stop to marvel at the beauty of a flower.
Dear Father, Please continue teaching me until I reach my final destination, Heaven. Thank you for all the lessons learned.
Janice Yandell
