Barnabas Ministries UK

Rev. Joy Gascoigne

AGE CONCERN  by Rev. joy gascoigne

LOTS OF PEOPLE SEE

how stars like Madonna look, and watch the things they do, but what’s really going on?

Michigan-born Madonna was the third of eight children. Her mother died of breast cancer when she was just years old. Madonna later said, ‘I became an over-achiever to get approval from the world.’

Now with a career spanning three decades, she turns 50 this year.

No doubt there are lots of factors in the discussion about age; our health, of attitude, the company we keep, and the make-up we use all play a part

It’s true that what we do stems from who we are, but the Western world has a big emphasis on image, so that how we look almost takes priority over anything else. So how can we grow older gracefully? First of all, grow older thankfully. Many people don’t live to see even middle age! If you’re in good health you’ve a lot to be thankful for.

Take care of yourself, watch your diet, and try to rest and keep fit. In the UK we’re blessed with the opportunity to live in a wonderful country. Enjoy, and thank God!

Second, remember you’re a human being, not a human doing. Often it’s easy to evaluate the quality of our life by what we do. Look after what goes on inside.

Don’t allow yourself to become bitter or critical. Don’t become cynical or carry baggage from the past. Live largely, and to quote the Message New Testament, ‘love from the centre of who you are’. There’s a great story of a little girl who went to the funfair with her daddy. She had a little money to spend and immediately ran to the candy stall, and bought a huge pink candy. Her father looked on and asked if she was really able to eat it. ‘Don’t worry, Daddy’, she replied. I’m much bigger inside than I look on the outside’.

Finally, go first class. It’s about attitude really. We each only have one life to live, and so it’s to be lived to the full. Stay positive, and take the opportunities that come your way.

Try something new – a fun hobby or sport, perhaps.

Go the extra mile and be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Be a reliable friend, not just a number in the crowd. And by the way, happy birthday, Maddona!