An old country church was being torn down and a new one built across town. To raise money for the new church, members sold the wooden pews that had served the country church well.
One man bought a twelve-foot pew and took it to his farm. With much difficulty, he put it in the attic of his home.
Years later, when the man’s health declined, he had to sell the farm. Unable to get the pew out of the attic, he sealed the attic and left the pew there.
Like the old church pew, I felt my age prevented me from doing anything more in ministry. Over the years, I had taught Bible studies and served in many ministries. But now I was spending much of my time at home and keeping doctor appointments.
Lacking the strength and vigor I possessed in my younger years, I believed I could no longer make long-term commitments or do much. Later, I discovered this was a lie the Devil spoke in my ear. I could still do plenty. God made me special and gifted me to serve.
The spiritual gifts listed in I Corinthians and Ephesians stay with us for life. We can use them in new and different ways as we enter our senior years. I discovered I had additional time to pray for others and the church’s needs. I could help in the nursery, giving young couples a needed break. I learned to use technology from home to connect to church and other ministries.
Our senior years can bring much satisfaction and joy if we look around and discover new ways to use our spiritual gift. Like the psalmist, we can serve the Lord with gladness. We don’t have to shut ourselves away. We can get out of the attic and serve the Lord again.
Never forget that there are ways you can serve God, regardless of your age.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and Kincse_j.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Bennett Joseph Schiller is a retired State Senior Technology Manager and retired Baptist Pastor of Education. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of South Carolina and his Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Columbia International University. He is a husband, father, and grandfather and enjoys reading, writing, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.