Flying Solo: Single Seniors Soar in Retirement

Who is your neighbor? Have you ever asked that question? Maybe you think of those who live on either side of your house or apartment. Being a neighbor, however, is more than that. The lawyers question to Jesus sets the stage for whats now a familiar story: The Good Samaritan.And behold, a lawyer stood up to put [Jesus] to the test, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? [Jesus] said to him, What is written in the Law? How do you read it? And he answered, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. And [Jesus] said to him, You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live. But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor? Luke 10:25-29, ESVJesus tells a story of a man who fell among robbers and was left half dead. The attacked man was in dire need of attention and care. In the story, the first two figures to arrive on the scene a priest and a Levite passed by. They saw him and did nothing, perhaps to maintain their own religious cleanliness for temple ceremonies.A third person, however, approached, saw the man and had compassion. He was a Samaritan someone Jesus audience deemed outside of Gods community for a variety of reasons. Compassion led him to help. He stopped, changed his plans, bandaged the mans wounds and paid for his continued care.Jesus flips the script on his questioner in two ways. First, he makes an alleged enemy (the Samaritan) the hero the one who is faithful to Gods Law. Second, he asks his own question: Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among robbers? The initial question Who is my neighbor? misses the point. Being a neighbor is what the lawyer could do, showing mercy to anyone within his proximity. You cant always choose your neighbors, but you can choose to love.In fact, Love one another, from John 13, is a biblical framework passage for Presbyterian Homes & Services. Our work of love extends to all people. Every day provides an opportunity to love older adults and fellow coworkers with the kind of love Jesus presents in the story of the Good Samaritan. Therefore, let us be neighbors to one another through loving acts. This will lead to life now and into the age to come.About Pastor Matt Anderson: I serve at Summerwood of Plymouth and Summerwood of Chanhassen. Ive been with PHS 3 years. I currently live in Plymouth, Minn., with my wife Liz. We have two adult children. When Im not busy leading Bible studies, preaching or doing visitations I enjoy playing guitar, gardening and reading.The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.  

Prayer is an amazing topic. At times, it seems like we spend more time talking about prayer than the actual practice of praying.I heard about a man who came to his wife one day with an urgent prayer request from his friend. The man says to his wife that his friend, Fred, called him to pray for his wife Carol and the kids because they were in a car accident.The mans wife says, Is Carol okay? Are the kids okay? To which the man says, I dont know. Fred just asked me to pray. The mans wife says, Which hospital did they take Carol to? Were the other people in the car okay? The husband replies, I dont know. Fred just asked me to pray.Have you been there? You receive a request from a friend to pray, and you spend the entire time analyzing the situation instead of getting on your knees and praying. I get it. I do the same. I want more details.However, it may be best to stop and pray for the other person on the spot. Go ahead and get just enough information to offer a simple prayer.Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7, NIVOf course, you might be intimidated to pray for someone in public. Thats okay as well. If you are interested in the ministry of prayer at Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS), I would suggest that you seek out your campus pastor about training in the Praying Hands Ministry program. Your campus pastor will offer a seminar so you can pray confidently with others when they bring you a prayer request. You wont have to analyze the situation. You will be ready and engaged to pray.Come and prepare to pray for others, and we will develop a culture of prayer at PHS.About Campus Pastor John Cordova: I began serving at Lake Minnetonka Shores in February 2020, just before the Covid pandemic arrived. I fill the role of director of pastoral care, the greatest job ever. I live in Maple Grove with my wife of 40-plus years. We have raised three daughters, and they have given us three wonderful grandsons (hoping for a granddaughter in the future). If we are not with our grandkids, we spend our time socializing with our neighbors.The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.  

If youre looking for a rewarding way to spend your free time, why not consider volunteering with seniors? Volunteering with seniors can offer you many benefits, such as: Making New Friends and ConnectionsSeniors have a wealth of life experience and wisdom to share, and they can also be great listeners and companions. You can learn from their stories, enjoy their humor, and support them in their challenges. You might even find a mentor or a role model among them.Improving Your Health and Well-BeingVolunteering with seniors can boost your mood, reduce your stress, and increase your self-esteem. It can also help you stay physically active, mentally stimulated, and socially engaged. Studies have shown that volunteering can lower your blood pressure, improve your immune system, and even extend your lifespan. Giving Back to Your CommunitySeniors are valuable members of our society, but they often face isolation, loneliness, and neglect. By volunteering with seniors, you can show them that they are not forgotten, that they are respected, and that they matter. You can also help them access the resources and services they need, such as transportation, health care, or social activities. Developing New Skills and InterestsVolunteering with seniors can expose you to new perspectives, cultures, and hobbies. You can also learn new skills or improve existing ones, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, or empathy. Volunteering can also enhance your resume and career prospects, as it demonstrates your commitment, initiative, and teamwork.There are many ways to volunteer with seniors, depending on your availability, preferences, and goals. You can:Visit seniors in their homes or in care facilities. You can chat with them, play games with them, read to them, or help them with daily tasksJoin or organize social events for seniors. You can host a tea party, a movie night, a bingo game, or a dance class. You can also invite seniors to join you in your hobbies or interests, such as gardening, knitting, or hikingTeach seniors new skills or technologies. You can help them learn how to use a computer, a smartphone, or the internet. You can also teach them a language, a musical instrument, or a craftAdvocate for seniors rights and needs. You can raise awareness about the issues and challenges that seniors face in your community. You can also support campaigns or organizations that work for seniors welfare and dignityBenefits of Volunteering at Grace Pointe Senior Care Community of Greeley, ColoradoVolunteering with seniors can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for both you and them. It can enrich your life in many ways and make a positive difference in theirs. If youre interested in volunteering with seniors, contact Grace Pointe Senior Care of Greeley. We will match you with suitable opportunities and provide you with training and guidance. Volunteering with seniors is more than just a good deed. Its an opportunity to grow as a person and to connect with others who have so much to offer. So dont hesitate to give it a try. You might be surprised by how much you gain from it.