April 2, 2001

Senior seminars serve up food for thought
___By Dan Martin
___Texas Baptist Communications
___SAN ANTONIO--"If you always do what you have always done, you will always be what you have always been," Ellen Harris told senior adult women in a series of four workshops across the state.
___Harris, whose husband, Cliff, is senior adult consultant with the Christian Ethics and Public Policy Center of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, told the seminars made

SUNDAY SCHOOL leader Carolyn Ulmer of Conroe (left) talks about materials available for senior adult Sunday School with Anna Alford, teacher of the 75 and older class at First Baptist Church of New Braunfels.

up mostly of women about being "God's Magnificent Old Lady."
___"Our attitude is more important than anything," she said. "We have a choice."
___She quoted Liz Carpenter, the former White House aide, as saying that people "need a sense of purpose and a sense of humor."?
___"We need a sense of purpose or we will just be sitting around waiting for the grim reaper," she said. "You are never too old, whether you are in your 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s, to have a sense of purpose. But in the race of life it is always too early to quit."
___Harris said seniors can still learn, can still do. Seniors also can be "ministers of prayer" for their local churches. "I think churches are crying out for somebody to lift them up. We have the time to do that."
___Her presentations offered easy-to-remember suggestions to help.
___For instance, when she encouraged the seniors to quit worrying about things, she said there are four reasons worry is worthless: "First, it wastes time. Second, it takes a toll on your physical health. Third, it makes you an unpleasant companion. Fourth, it accomplishes nothing."
___Among the other advice she offered:
___ "Tear up all the scripts for the way you think other people should act."
___ "A hurting person needs a helping hand, not an accusing finger."
___ "I will look at my body as my friend and not as my enemy."
___ "I will remember that my mind controls my body, and not vice versa."
___ "There is nothing to fear about aging. I am always as young as the innocent and playful child who is in me."
___ "What counts is the fullness of my heart and not the wrinkles on my face."
___ "I am never too old to make new choices. I am never too old to learn new things. I am never too old to explore new ideas. I am never too old to make a difference."
___She also noted that it is not necessary to see the way, "if you follow the one who is the way."
___

Get printer-friendly version of this story


Send this story to a friend

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist
churches, in the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

---

Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!