One of the prevailing ideologies of our culture is the value of "being useful." We cut our teeth on those old stories about the Pilgrims and their adage of, "He who does not work does not eat." As adults we define our lives, our identities, our selves in some ways by the "usefulness" of our activities, often by the professions we choose. We are our job, we don't do our job. I think this is a big mistake. What happens when we are no longer able to "do?"



It is not necessarily just your age that defines you, as far as our culture is concerned. I was only in my very early twenties when my children were born. One of the memories I have of being a young mom at home with my little children is in trying to explain to folks who did not share the belief that my at home job was a "real" job just what it was I did. I was often made to feel a bit defensive about my choice to be at home during my little ones early years. I would give everything I own and several years of my life to have back just one day of those times with my little children. Those of you who are still "in the trenches" and raising young children may find this difficult to believe, but being a wife and mother was my real life's work...everything else I have done with my life is only a side line, and relatively unimportant.



It is not just those at home with young children, but also those who "sit on the sidelines" due to age or infirmity. They feel that the world is defining them by its standards, and not the standards of God. Our kids used to listen to a Christian artist who sang a song called, "Lifeboat." Although it was a bit satirical, it questioned our cultural obsession with just what it is that gives us "value." Do we pitch the developmentally handicapped child into the ocean to "make room" for someone of "more value?"

I know for my folks, especially my dad, it is hard to feel like your life lacks purpose...although just getting through the days when you reach the age of eighty is challenging enough! My mom, God bless her, still finds joy in taking care of my dad, and has never lost her smile, even though the past year has taken its toll on her health as well. The world would not value the "purpose" she has chosen for her life, but I think she has chosen well.



Jesus often took notice of those "along the pathway of life." He saw them, when to most they were invisible, indeed often distasteful and "unclean." He saw people in doorways, those dropped down through roofs, the outcasts that others literally avoided like the plague! He touched the untouchable, he involved himself with those that society had long ago given up on. Would that I could be like Jesus...change my heart oh God, mend my broken places so that I can see with your eyes, and love with your heart.



I often wonder in what ways we live our lives in acknowledgement of the worth of all persons, even though they may be aging, incapacitated by poor health, or too young, or poor, or...?



If we follow the example of Jesus, then we must see persons as valuable because He created them, not for what they may or may not be able to "contribute." I think it is not the fear of aged numbers that makes us try to avoid old age, I think it is the fear of the loss of respect from those around us because we have lost our "usefulness." Thoughts to ponder, and a challenge for me to change my way of thinking.