Senior Citizens Appreciation

Job 12:12

Wisdom is with aged men,

With long life is understanding.

This past Sunday evening after the Evening Worship Services, we held a Senior Citizens Appreciation meal for the senior citizens at our church.  Our youth wanted to honor them and show them appreciation for all that they have done for them over the years.  Twenty four seniors of our church family were in attendance for the festivities.  Our fellowship hall was decorated in Cajun theme complete with cypress knees, alligator skins, stuffed nutria, snapping turtle shells, and tanned animal furs. The tablecloths were made of quilts and the table on the right in the picture below was filled with antiques and 'relics' of simpler times.

There was a nice time of visiting before serving and, let me tell you, our church specializes in fellowship!  The youth stood in front of the seniors and read Bible verses about respecting elders.  Then each of our young people sincerely thanked the seniors for the model of Christian behavior that they provide.  They thanked them for teaching Sunday School and Bible School and being so giving.

Meanwhile, things were very busy in the church kitchen.  In fact, things had been busy all day.  Earlier in the day we had Sunday School followed by Morning Worship.  Then, it was the third Sunday of the month, so we met at 3:30 at one of the Nursing Homes in town to hold services for those who are unable to get out and go to church.  The meal was supposed to begin right after Evening Worship Services ended.  Evening Worship normally runs from 5 pm until 6 pm, but services ended about 25 minutes early, putting a strain on the chefs in the kitchen, but we quickened the pace and got things done.  Our kitchen staff is the best.

Our Young People served the senior citizens.  I mean they REALLY served them. Decked out in white shirts, black pants and bow ties or white dress, they provided top-notch waitstaff service with a smile, pampering those in our church who were above the age of 60.  They did a great job and I'm proud of them.

First the drink orders were taken and either sweet tea, lemonade or water was brought out to the tables. Then the salad dressing orders were taken and salads were served by enthusiastic smiling waiters. Then the diners were given a choice of spaghetti/meat sauce or chicken fettuccine and garlic bread, followed by a brownie dessert.  The meal wasn't rushed and everyone visited while eating, enjoying one another's company.

Then came what I think was the best part of all.  The Youth asked the seniors to give them advice!  And the youth (and all of us in attendance) listened intently.

You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. Deuteronomy 6:7

You could have heard a pin drop.  Numerous seniors gave the young people VALUABLE life advice regarding their spiritual development, choosing a mate, following the LORD, along with stories from their childhood and upbringing.  Many told stories of rough times that they lived through, but through faith in God and perseverance, they made it through the trials.  The seniors gave wisdom and instruction to the youth - advice they won't soon forget.

Everyone listened intently as they shared.  It was one of those times that you'll always remember as instruction was passed down from one generation to the next. On a night where we intended to be givers and serve the seniors, they ended up giving more than we did.  Funny how that works out!

At the end of the night, we had our seniors pose for a photo.

Then our youth posed with them.  It was truly a memorable evening!

Much thanks go out to our youth, Angel (shown below) who thought of this great idea, her mom, Patty, and Tricia for helping make it happen.  It was a lot of hard work, but the hard work paid off.

At the end of the night, everyone was tired.  Not too tired, though!

Deuteronomy 32:7

Remember the days of old,

Consider the years of all generations.

Ask your father, and he will inform you,

Your elders, and they will tell you.