Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

Colossians 4:5

Growing old includes challenges and moments of opportunity. During aging, these occasions look different than the high impact times of earlier years. We might no longer speak from a convention center platform or lead a company-wide campaign, but God still offers us time to make a difference. As Jesus modeled with the woman who had suffered for years (Luke 8:43-48), these one-on-one moments might be high impact to a single individual. Investing a few extra moments with the accountant allows us to offer encouraging words during her busy season. Thanking the neighbor for fresh-grown basil gives him time to share concerns about his wife’s health. Smiling to the dental receptionist only takes 12 muscles. By staying alert, we can still, in the words of a camp song learned long ago, “show we are Christian by our love.”

Mary Manz Simon
Fort Myers, FL

Dear Jesus, open my eyes to see opportunities to share your love. Amen.

Reflect: Which daily activity might present a moment of opportunity to lift up another?

Read: 1 Corinthians 16:14 and Hebrews 3:13-14