Praying for Me
Be careful how you pray for me. I am in my 80’s. That means I have lived long enough to wear out certain parts. Because of mileage and time they simply don’t work as they did. Sometimes they still work but ache or make noises. Last year I got a rebuilt heart and a brain cleanout. Neither works as well as the original but I am very thankful for them. I am quite sure they will not last like the originals.
So keep that in mind when you pray. Don’t pray that aging will be reversed. It is a natural part of life. When I was a child I welcomed aging. I could not wait for my next birthday. It would be 6. Then 61/2, Then 6 going on 7. Aging was welcome. It announced new levels of life.
Pray that I welcome each new stage of life the same way now. As an adventure into the unknown. Even the adventure into death.
I remember taking an elderly lady to the grocery store. As we traveled she went through a list of her ailments. After a long list, she turned and said, “I don’t know why I am complaining. If I had died when most of my friends died, I never would have had these issues. “ She was in her 90’s at the time.
At a certain point in life ailments that would have been devastating earlier in life are almost like coins given out in AA meetings—they mark milestones. Until finally one will get you and carry you out of this life into the next. Be thankful you had these opportunities. Many do not. Many of my contemporaries died in Vietnam in their teens and 20s. I missed a good chance in a car wreck when I was in my late 20s but I am still here. Who can understand God’s actions?
Do pray that I will remain me. That I know who I am, who you are and that God is love and is experienced in Jesus.
Pray that I have the Grace to experience life as it comes. I do not want pain but pain is a part of life. Pray that it is kept within limits and managed.
Pray that I will continue to experience the love of family and friends and respond with love and affection. That I will value those who journey with me and express thankfulness for their presence.
Pray that I will keep a joyful positive approach to life and those around me. Do not allow me to be caught up only in the past but to welcome the new with an open mind.
Pray that I will remain faithful in life and death demonstrating the presence of Jesus.