Most of our lives are centered around doing: doing things for our children, doing something for a living, doing something at church – doing, doing, doing. One day, all of that changes, and we are left with what seems to be little or no identity.
Fortunately, God helped me to realize that we each need somewhere we can make a contribution – something that is bigger than ourselves. As Christian women, we must remember who we are and continue to share God’s love. We are each unique and have valuable contributions to make.
I am thankful for the gift of Women of the ELCA. I am thankful for the thousands of volunteers who inspire me as they take time in the midst of their busy lives to donate their time, their skills, their gifts and their money to continue God’s mission in the world. I am thankful I have come to value who I am.
A wise person once said, “The older generation has a great deal to give the world. But first, they must come to value it themselves.”
This message is excerpted from “Value who you are” by Patti Austin from the July 25, 2016, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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