by 
Like most people, I can think of many individuals who have been influential in my life. Some have been especially inspirational in forming my faith, and most of those people have been older than me. As they grow older, some have difficulty hearing. Some need assistance in getting to church. If they are able to come to church, some need assistance getting from a car to our front door, and some need assistance getting from the front door to our sanctuary. For some, it is difficult to sit on a wooden pew for an hour. And yet, Sunday after Sunday, they are there. While some of us talk about how easy it would be to sleep in on Sunday morning, these people faithfully and quietly show up because it is their custom and their choice to be in worship.
Most, if not all of the older people who have been influential in my faith life have something in common. As they age, they are not able to do some of the things they have done in the past, and sadly, they begin to question their own worth. One friend with whom I felt a special connection looked at me after struggling to participate in worship service a few years ago and with shoulders slumped said, “I guess I’m just not worth much anymore.” Or in the words of another, “I don’t know what I can do (to serve the church.).”
If you are among those people doubting your worth, or what you can do, let me share some thoughts. First, you are already doing more than you probably realize. Your desire to be in worship and your faithful presence is a powerful witness and a model for all of us. Please don’t underestimate that. And yes, there is still more that you can do.
In worship service we recently heard the Great Commandment, Deuteronomy 6:4-6, “Hear O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart.” This commandment was for Moses and the Israelites, and it is for us today. It remains part of your calling.
Secondly, you can still pray. Whether yours are prayers of thanksgiving, of lament, of intercession, or prayers for your own peace and comfort, God hears your prayers. You can continue to pray for yourself, for the church and for others, and that is no small thing.
It is part of the hubris of youth to discount that a lifetime of joy and suffering, triumph and tragedy brings wisdom. You are a blessing, and your story is worth hearing if we will remember to listen.
Grace and peace,
Ron Crawford
