Of course one of the things we as a people seem to fear most is losing the power to think clearly or remember things. I got a real chuckle out of the following little story.

Because my mother had a habit of losing her cell phone, I bought her a clip for it so she could attach it directly to her belt. A few days later, I walked into my mother's home and found her standing in the middle of the living room, halfway dressed. That didn't strike me as odd so much as the fact that she was holding her pants to the side of her head and speaking into them. "Don't look at me that way," she yelled. "The phone started ringing and I couldn't figure out how to undo this stupid clip!" (Author unknown)

If you are laughing, then you probably are relating to the story.

At least I'm trying daily to do better for God!

All of us are getting older, our world fights against it, they refuse to acknowledge it, but very few embrace the aging process. God's word, however, communicates a different idea concerning getting older. Moses spoke for God when he commanded, "Show your fear of God by standing up in the presence of elderly people and showing respect for the aged. I am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:32 NLT). We also find this in God's book of wisdom sayings: "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life" (Proverbs 16:31).

I, like many, don't consider myself old yet, even though the State of Ohio recently sent me a membership card to the "Golden Buckeye" club. I do not, however, fear getting older, because I know it is part of life. I pray that I can continue to age and keep my ability to think and function, but even if I can't, I can look back and know I have tried to serve my God to the best of my ability. After all, isn't that all he asks of us?

You most likely have heard the saying, "I'm not getting older! I'm getting better!" I don't know if I am succeeding with my efforts, but at least I'm trying daily to do better for God. I pray daily for wisdom concerning my service to and relationship with others. How about you? As they say, the only alternative to getting older is death! I'm ready to go when the time comes, but am willing to put it off as long as I can to serve God here on this earth!

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith ... (Philippians 1:19-25 TNIV).

The Way of the Heart: Desert Spirituality and Contemporary Ministry by Henri Nouwen The modern classic that interweaves the solitude, silence, and prayer of the fourth and fifth century Egyptian Desert Fathers and Mothers with our contemporary search for an authentic spirituality.

Russ Lawson is a former missionary to Africa and minister in Ohio. He now works with World Christian Literature Outreach and writes a weekly email devotional, Messages from the Heart. For more information about Russ, click here.

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