Living With Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults by Missy Buchanan
I purchased this book of “meditations of the heart” to send to my elderly mom who has been struggling with why she is still on this earth. She often says, “God must not want me yet. There must be a reason I am still here.” My mom has a purpose as we all do.
The following is an excerpt from this encouraging book of meditations:
“What Purpose, God?
I confess there are days when pain suffocates my passion for living.
There are dark nights when fear chokes out hope.
Sometimes I wonder why you have left me on this earth.
I have outlived so many family and friends. Why do I linger?
What purpose could you have for me now?
Look at my hands. Once strong and sure, they are unsteady and frail.
My mind, once quick and incisive, now falters under the weight of names and faces.
What real purpose do I serve knitting away the hours, surfing the channels, dozing through the afternoon?
Then your Spirit stirs my heart and convicts my soul.
You are not a wasteful God!
The length of my earthly days is a mystery to me, but one thing I know for sure. You have created me with an eternal purpose.
How can I be more like Christ today?
Whose life can I touch with kindness?
Lord, give me an extra measure of grace when I feel that I’m too old to be useful.
Help me take my limitations in stride as I search for opportunities to serve you.
My purpose has not withered away with another birthday.
It is rooted in eternity.”
The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:11)
In [Christ] we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. (Ephesians 1:11)
Reprinted from Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults by Missy Buchanan. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. For more information, visit bookstore.upperroom.org.