TRANSITIONS

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A Prayer as
We Grow Older
Lord You know better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking that I must say something on every subject and every occassion. Release me from the craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all, but you know, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details, give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains; they are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming greater as the years so by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of other's pains, but help me endure them with patience. I dare not ask for an improved memory, but for a growing humility and lessening sureness when my memory seems to clash with the memory of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occassionally I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet I do not want to be a saint, some of them are so hard to live with. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and talent in unexpected people and give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. Amen. (An old nun's prayer.)

TRANSITIONS CLASS OUTLINE

Lesson I. Help, I’m Getting Old! Has the thought crossed your mind that you aren’t as young as you used to be? Are there constant reminders? Have you been a victim of ageism?

Lesson II. What Happens Now? Aging is not a journey downhill but a passage into a new adventure filled with challenge and hope. God has shaped us throughout our lives and has brought us to this time and place for his purposes.

Lesson III. Mastering Change. Naomi and Ruth were confronted by willed and unwilled change. God worked through these changes to prepare for the Savior of the world.

Lesson IV. Less Is More—Downsizing and Letting Go. Gideon let go of most of his army and saw that God could work miracles through the remainder. It is not in the largeness or worth of our “stuff” that we have confidence, but in the hand of the Lord.

Lesson V. At a Loss. It is in loss that one learns to cling to God. Paul lost so much by worldly standards. He suffered hardships beyond our imagination, but believed that he had gained all in Christ Jesus!

Lesson VI. Not Afraid of the Dark. “My God, why have you forsaken me?” The darkness is not dark to God. Even When God feels far away, he is at work in our lives.

Lesson VII. Power Outage. Feelings of uncertainty, powerlessness and vulnerability can make us fearful. We are no longer in control of much in our lives. God who has promised to care for us, does his best work in these circumstances.

VIII. All Tired Out. Elijah was exhausted. He had done great things for God in his life but he felt beaten down and alone. He was the “only one left.” Depression surrounded him. God surprised him with a community of helpers and the work of mentoring Elisha.

IX. Dependence as a Gift. It is receiving that we are able to affirm the gifts of others. God uses our dependence to teach and form others into the likeness of Christ. Giving is usually easier for us than receiving. Receiving with gratitude and appreciation of the giver is love in action.

X. Hope—Things Not Seen. Paul stated that if it is for this life only that we believe we are to be pitied. Hope is believing that God has a plan and that he is working it out in the lives of his people. Though we may not see it now through faith we trust in God and his love.

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