Contributed by Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain
On August 19, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5847, declaring August 21st as National Senior Citizens Day.
“For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older - places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.” (President Ronald Reagan – August 19, 1988 Proclamation 5847)
This is the mission of Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. We strive to encourage, accept, assist and serve the senior population in the Mat-Su. It is the seniors who have paved the way for our current generation.
Are today’s seniors done serving? Never! Each senior has a wealth of knowledge, abilities and empathy that needs to be shared with others. They have skills that must be passed on. It was our seniors who fought for our country, our rights and freedom.
The Bible suggests some of these same characteristics.
Characteristics and Responsibilities of Seniors:
1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine. 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate and sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise, exhort to be sober-minded. (Titus 2:1-6)
Now also when I am old and grey-headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come. (Psalm 71:18)
It is the seniors’ responsibility to teach younger men and women. Not so much about technology, but about character. This is a great task.
God’s Sustenance:
I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (Psalm 37:25)
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)
Seniors Serving Anna:
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, she was of a great age and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38)
If you are a senior, thank you! If you know a senior, tell them how much you appreciate them. Listen to their stories and be amazed.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain
907 715-4001
