Positive Christian

Positive Christian

“He gives strength to the weary
       and increases the power of the weak.

(Isaiah 40 vs. 29)

            Today I am thinking back to last summer when June and I moved into our eighties and deeper into our 50 years of marriage. It was great to celebrate; great to reminisce about the victories and challenges we have worked through over the years. June and I are truly blessed.

            The story is not all that positive however, we are getting older and my mom always said, “Growing old is not for the faint of heart.” It comes with its own set of challenges. We get tired easier, recover slower, can eat less. Years ago, June and I set a goal of not becoming grumpy senior citizens. We decided to pray and always try to be positive Christians. It is not always easy.

For over ten years I have exercised with an older retired physician, Phil. We walk/jog/waddle 10-12 miles a week and have a lot of time to talk. He has completed several dozen marathons and ultra-marathons and I have a lengthy triathlon history. We talk a lot about those youthful days and have determined that we just do not recover as fast; in fact, we think that it takes three times as long to get our strength back from a good day. During that time, we feel a bit sluggish and it is hard to stay positive. June can tell you what I mean!

            All the above sounds a bit negative and that is not intentional-it is just data. The reality is that it is great to be 80 plus and have those memories. It is also great to be a Christian. June and I have a great perspective on life and a lot to share with future generations. We have the support of our Lord and have time to help others, time to share, time for ourselves, and time to recover from our ills. We need to be positive Christians, set an example on how to live and be happy. As we struggle through our many challenges, we need to remember the following:

“but those who hope in the LORD
       will renew their strength.
       They will soar on wings like eagles;
       they will run and not grow weary,
       they will walk and not be faint.”

(Isaiah 40 vs. 31-32)

Thought for Today: Be happy, be positive and share our enthusiasm with others.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, today we thank you for our blessings and the ability to focus on positive feelings through your love. Today we pray that we may be positive and radiate joy to those around us.

Amen