At what age do you quit serving? I make it a point to only engage in tasks that require my specific skills and abilities, and leave the rest to others. Others need opportunities. This way I can focus on what I do well. For example, I think I’m good at sitting on a couch and watching TV–I have a lot of practice.
“If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” – James 2:16 (NIV)
It’s easy to spread yourself too thin by trying to do everything. But next week I’m helping with a long-term restoration project after a tornado destroyed much of a town two years ago. Imagine two years without a home! “All hands on deck.” It’s a Navy expression, meaning everyone is needed because the situation is dire.
Truth: My wife got me into it. She knows where she goes I’ll follow. I don’t know if I’ll be much help. I don’t start doing anything until ten. At eleven I take a two-hour lunch break, followed by a one-hour nap. At two, I collect and clean my tools to leave at three.
Recently I helped someone combine storage areas. I know my limitations. I don’t lift or carry anything because it makes my back symptoms flare up. I almost wore out my finger pointing to places to sit things.
The point is, everyone has something to offer, even if it’s just a finger. Supervision brings order to chaos. Experience is more important than muscle.
We’re more capable than we think
“Ageing is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” – Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)
It’s easy to think we’re not capable of doing things. President Jimmy Carter began building houses with Habitat For Humanity in 1984. He and Rosalynn continued until he went into home hospice care at age 98, in 2023.
Yuichiro Miura, a Japanese professional skier and mountaineer, is the oldest man to reach the summit of Mount Everest at age 80.
Rosemary Smith, at age 79, became the oldest person to drive a Formula 1 car.
Betty Goedhart, at age 84, performed a record-breaking flying trapeze routine in San Diego.
Harriette Thompson, at age 91, became the oldest woman to compete in the Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon and the second-oldest marathon runner in U.S. history.
Sister Madonna Booter, at age 82, became the oldest person to complete an Ironman Triathlon, which includes a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a marathon.
John Glenn, at age 77, became the oldest person to go into space after passing the same physical exam as other astronauts.
Smoky Dawson, known as Australia’s first cowboy and a pioneer of Western music, became the oldest person to compose, record, and release a new album at age 92.
Mohr Keet, a WWII veteran became the world’s oldest bungee jumper at age 96.
Laura Ingalls Wilder began writing “Little House on the Prairie” at age 65.
George Orwell wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four on his deathbed.
Successful Seniors: 10 Stories of Purpose Discovered Later in Life. Includes How to Find Purpose Later in Life.
Writing is considered a good occupation for retirees. It keeps them from causing problems in the home and neighborhood. 7 brilliant authors who wrote their best books late in their careers.
Conclusion
We’re not done until we’re out of here. Know your limitations and keep on keeping on.
Probability Space
What probability spaces can we open in our minds to explore things we can do to help others?
Potential Space
If you think creatively and allow your mind to wander and explore, what are potential things that everyone potentially can do to help others?
________________________
– Dorian
Our answer is God. God’s answer is us. Together we make the world better.
Restore and recreate. Take time to celebrate life. Laugh, sing, and dance regularly, even every day. Happy.
Bible scripture verses are New American Standard Version (NASB), unless noted.
Author and books
Appease the Volcano: What does God require from people? The voices of the ancients from many religions echo much of the same things: It starts with law, then mercy and forgiveness, then love.
The Prophetic Pattern: Ancient and Modern Prophecy: How to distinguish the intent of various types of prophecies and oracles, both ancient and modern.
Preparing For the Future Of Work and Education: Analysis of the kinds of jobs that AI and Robotics will displace, and the educational requirements for them. AI will replace or augment thirty percent of jobs. This is an in-depth analysis citing many authoritative sources.
Author Website: Dorian Scott Cole
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