Poor Me

On Maning’s 75th birthday, which was celebrated with a grand party mounted by his children and grandchildren, he felt mixed emotions. He was happy that he had come this far. 

On the other hand, he felt ancient, fearful of what is to come, especially because his energy level has dipped tremendously.  

He could no longer do the things that were once so easy. With his aching knees, climbing up the stairs and biking had been difficult, if not punishing. So he gave away  his bicycle and bought himself a rocking chair. 

But those were not the only reasons Maning was troubled. It was also because he no longer called the shots in his own household. His two adult children had taken over. He could feel their impatience when he as much as repeats what he had said previously. 

That’s why self-pity visits him now and then. And when it does, he tells himself, Poor me, and wonders whether he still matters to God.  

The Creator of the Universe created all human beings. Therefore, each of us is worthy of His love and attention, demonstrated when Jesus visited earth in the form of a servant—graphically and dramatically illustrated by His death on the cross. He showed that the big hand of God is for all the small people for whom He came. 

When we, in our sunset years, find ourselves wallowing in self pity, overwhelmed by the pain of insecurity and poor self worth, let’s reread this verse: 

Luke 12:7. “. . . the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” 

We need never say, “Poor Me” ever again.