LESSONS FROM LIFE

As a celebration of the Year of the Older Person, the Friendship Group organised and led a special service of worship. As part of that service those members of the Group and of the Congregation who are over the age of 60 were asked to write down something they had learned from life. Here is what they wrote.....

LESSONS FROM LIFE

The Collective Wisdom of St. Philip's Over-60s.

I've learnt to smile at people and pass the time of day with them and find that they will respond - Betty T.

The older I become, the more I realise God wants our potential and has exciting and challenging things for me to do, as He continues to share His love and grace with me. - Michael

I've learnt that the most wonderful thing a person can do is to encourage another. Then you'll feel great too. - Doug

I've learnt tolerance and to enjoy every day, to turn a negative into a positive and always try to smile and have a cheery word of encouragement to everyone - Joan

I've learnt to live with horse power, electrical power and nuclear power with all the changes they have made to our way of living. With God's help I will live to see the new century.

I've learnt that a smile is the beginning of a laugh and that friendship is the best tonic. - Eric

I've learnt that God wants us to enjoy life and to pass on His joy and happiness to others. Each new day gives us a chance to begin again in God's love. Without God I could not exist. - Corale

I've learnt that when things are bad, I can talk to God, and He sees me through the day. Thank you God.

I've learnt that with faith and determination, and a positive outlook, I have achieved many goals. - Elva

I've learnt to trust in the Lord, to be patient with my wishes and that His will will be done. - Jim

Every morning I say out loud, "Good morning, Christ. I love you. What are you up to today? I want to be part of it."

I've learnt that grandchildren bring great joy and that it is a real thrill to become a great grandmother. - Lee

I've learnt that sometimes you simply have to 'hang in there', trusting that God knows best.

As a child in Sunday School I learnt "What a friend we have in Jesus". As a teenager I gave my life to him and as a adult I grew to love him more. As an older person, he is my best friend. - Gloria

I've learned that I can fully depend on my prayer partners to keep confidences and to support me prayerfully. - Barbara D.

I've learnt that love is like the five loaves and fishes - it doesn't start to multiply until you give it away.

I've learnt to close my mouth when I bite into a cherry tomato. - Grace

I've learnt what it means to be accepted into a church family which has encouraged me to use the gifts God has given me. - Bev. P.

I've learnt that we need to take seriously the freedoms we have and the responsibility that comes with them. We also need to realise the importance of language and the way we use it. - Julia

I've learnt to try to surrender to the will of God. - Grace

It has been said that smiles and laughs cause less wrinkles than frowns - so let's have good company, lots of smiles and laughs. - Cath T.

I've learnt to put a smile on my face each day and to think positively. - Barbara H.

At 64, I've learnt that my happiest times are when Essendon beats Carlton. - Ian

I've learnt that I'm never alone. God has been with me through all my difficult situations. - Noeline

I've learnt that a cheery smile, a firm handshake or a peck on the cheek with a few words of compassion always works with people in need. - Don

Treat people the way you would like to be treated. Try to do the right thing all the time. - Odette

I've learnt that humour is good for you - a laugh a day keeps your spirits up. Comedy lifts me out of the doldrums. - Lloyd.

I've learnt just how much I've taken for granted the freedom to move and speak freely in this country. I thank the Lord daily that I was born and live in Australia. - Cath T.

I've learnt that even though I have pain, I don't have to be a pain!

I've learnt that "bring a plate" means not just a plate - it also means you put food on it as well. - Catherine M.

I've learnt that growing older means you have more years to have new experiences and to be continually surprised by life. - Julia

I've learnt that a second chance at everything in life is wonderful. - Allan

I've learnt that you need to be tolerant with people. - Sylvia

I've learnt that memories are precious. One of my happiest memories is sitting up at the top of the platform at the Sunday School Anniversary in my new frock, with my hair tonged. - Beth

I've learnt to have tolerance, to keep my sense of humour and to have faith in God.

I've learnt from my years of experience of life that I'm still learning. - Betty H.

I've learnt to love many, trust few and always paddle your own canoe. - Sylvia

I've learnt that we must try and make the most of each day with family and friends. Time passes very quickly and many changes happen - some good and some bad. Nothing stays the same. - Dot

The older I get, the more body parts break down and need replacing. Unfortunately they are so worn and 'out of date' I'm told, "Sorry, we don't stock that brand any more, my dear." Oh, what joy! Just my luck again.