First Touch Down Bolivia February 14, 1981
Growing in God
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:13, 14 (NIV)
Oh, the blessings I have seen while walking this journey. The One Who guides me never fails. Yes, Jesus never fails. I minister joyfully to those we came to share the gospel with––from that first day in Bolivia, Valentine’s Day 1981, to now. Classes are wonderful––little ones and older ones learning about God.
Want a personal senior citizen story? Here in Bolivia it would be called a "
Last week, I went for my yearly checkup. I took the elevator as I left the second floor. I always walk the steps, but due to my accident-prone life I convinced myself to take the elevator. The elevator was dark, and the lights weren’t lit for the floor buttons––my vision is 20/20. As I struggled to see in the dark, a nurse came by. She asked if I needed help. I said please and thank you. She answered, “de nada, Mamita”. Oh, my! Mamita is an endearing word for senior citizen ladies—you know, older ladies. Well, that hit me in the gut. I should add it is also used regularly for ladies not so old. That makes me feel better, but I know who I am. Mamita—the endearing older lady word for me. I just don’t see myself with that title—except in the mirror. Ha! Serving in old age with white hair. (Isaiah 46:4) Can’t help but laugh here.
I rarely buy clothes here in Bolivia—too tall, and never buy shoes here—feet too big, never in my size. Time for a new look? I set off to find a “cute older ladies’ sporty outfit. And I did that after seeing a cute “older” lady in the grocery store wearing a sweet, classy jogging suit—skinny legs and all. I decided I could wear that too. I found one, and the legs are long enough. So next week, on grocery day, I will be the cute older lady in the grocery store—if I muster up the courage to wear those skinny pants. It’s more of an exercise suit (pink too) which helps me change my older lady look. And I found the outfit in the grocery store––ironic, isn’t it? Thought you might like a personal “old lady” story.
*
Oh, God's sense of humor is so healing and comforting. And how comforting is that song, Someone is Praying for You.
I wait to see God's will for me unfold each day. Content in every circumstance––some days not easy, but there is peace that passeth understanding that comforts me. I am not alone.
Note: The precious little ones and teens I teach aren't the only ones growing in God. I am too. I see God's goodness in the land of the living––even in my tercera edad.
