On the last Saturday of January, I had the privilege of being with three fantastic women. All were in their 80s and each one a beautiful daughter of the King. I have only known each for the past two years, since attending Central Bible Church.
Alice was a precious, sweet lady. I attended her memorial service along with about 400 others. I only knew her as a care provider for her husband, who has Alzheimer’s. Although she was his “memory,” he was her man and her muscle. She continued to love and respect him, lifting him up as head of their home. I would often see her on his arm, depending on him for the stability that he’d provided throughout their many years together. At the service, I learned more about this amazing woman and the impact she had on her family, church, missions, and children in the community. Alice lived life fully, her eyes always on Jesus. She is with Him now in glory.
Following the memorial, I went to honor Muriel for her 80th birthday. Oh, what a celebration it was! Another friend had opened her home for a “girls only” party and in the course of the two-hour open house, nearly 150 women stopped by to give and receive a hug and, honestly, just to be in Muriel’s presence. Her genuine, caring demeanor has impacted thousands, maybe millions of people. She is a non-stop, soft-spoken woman of God, whose compassionate eyes and engaging smile captivate you and draw you in to the very presence of God. Though way past retirement age, she continues to provide counsel at Multnomah University and works alongside her husband in numerous endeavors, many of them having to do with missions. Muriel lives each moment eager and willing to do our Lord’s bidding.
I experienced both of these events with Joyce, yet another octogenarian non-stop fireball. Non-stop she is! I can scarcely keep up! Long ago, Joyce served in the role I now have as office manager at Central Bible Church. She continues to come in each Monday to prepare the prayer sheet for publication, typing in the requests from Sunday’s cards. From there, she often buzzes off to her next activity, a prayer group who meets to lift our missionaries to the Lord or a Bible Study with those at the Senior Community where she lives. She zips around, pushing her rolling walker/situpon thing and I chuckle at her vivacity, her positive approach to life. Joyce serves Jesus with every breath she takes.
What pure joy to know these and other wonder women, my own dear mom included. Wonderful … and full of wonder. Not living for now, nor for self, but living each day fully with their eyes fixed on Jesus and their real home, the place that is being prepared for them in eternity with Him. Not in futility, but in hope. And impacting others with their love and caring along the way.