…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of your faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:11b-12 

During an appointment with a trusted doctor, I mentioned that some of the foods I loved had begun causing me some stomach distress when I ate them. He looked me straight in the eye and said, “That sometimes happens to women of your age.”

My first thought: Women of your age! Women of our age do not pay doctors to say “women of your age” to their patients.  We want to talk about our quality of life, our vibrancy. I really wanted to protest but I kept my mouth firmly shut. 

Fortunately for us, God does not care about our age. Young or old he calls us into his service. He wants women of all ages. He invites us to work along side him at every physical age and at every stage we find ourselves in on our spiritual journey.

He may call us to show his light to strangers we encounter during our day. His call to us may include filling our homes with his love and compassion. It may involve sharing him with our co-workers, providing meals or childcare for others. Undoubtedly, it entails allowing him to shine in whatever situation he puts us in. 

Whatever he asks us to do we can do it with righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. We can fight the good fight of our faith. We can live out his presence in our lives side by side with him. 

Instead of acting indignant when someone mentions our age, let’s celebrate the importance of carrying out the work of God at any age. Let’s celebrate the joy of serving together with each other and with our almighty God. 

Lord, thank you for allowing us to serve you no matter our age. Thank you for your call on our lives. Thank you for eternal life.

Susan P.