“I get to” still do things, like removing the dishes from the dishwasher, taking grandkids to appointments, taking the dog out to do his business, going to Bible studies, visiting with friends and relatives, and the list goes on… Thank you, God! Some of these are challenging at times, but God carries me through.

However, I also experience setbacks and difficulties in my daily life. I fall down, up, onto, into, over, behind, and around anywhere at any time and place. These ‘falls’ represent the challenges and obstacles I encounter physically and emotionally.

I thank God for walls, doors, couches, floors, tables, and chairs that catch me when I am “falling,” as I meet the wall or door with my face first, or when I fall off the patio while putting seed into the bird feeder.  Every minute is an unsuspecting challenge. But I rely on my Heavenly Father.  I know He “has me.” His presence in my life gives me the strength and courage to face these challenges head-on.

This is a huge reminder that we should be very thankful for children, teens, friends, and relatives who help us when we struggle with remaining in the correct position. I am talking about kids who, through humility, kindness, love, patience, gentleness, goodness, self-control, and other Fruits of the Spirit, see our needs and help.  Taking my hand, clearing the path, offering to get something for me rather than me attempting the delicate balance of staying on my feet.

It’s not about the season of fall. It’s about the day-to-day challenges of a person’s bodily position when doing physical activity, for example, walking.  It’s not about the famous “fist bump”; it’s the joyous sound my body makes when it collides with an unplanned object, a reminder that life is full of delightful surprises.

My years of falling is an era in my life, and maybe it’s in yours now. Each stage of life, even the challenging ones, is a precious part of our journey.

I hold on to my husband’s hand as we walk into church. People have commented that they don’t see that in the older generation expressing their love for each other and walking in like teenagers in love. But remember, love knows no age and deepens with time.

“I get to” enjoy the comical aspect, as my husband continues to be a “servant” of the Lord.  If our granddaughter is riding in the car with us, she’s always the first to come around to my car door and reach for my hand. The entire family knows that when I’m talking and stop mid-sentence, they need to fill in the blanks because I have forgotten the word or memory I was talking about. So “I get to” go places, carry on conversations, and laugh at the funny times that evolve out of crazy events in my unsteady world.

Just as trees and bushes produce a bounty of fruit, so will a person, young or old, who lives according to the Spirit and will bless others through love, joy, kindness, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

So, young people, remember that you may be in this stage of life one day. It comes too soon for most, but by invoking the Fruits of the Spirit and living the Christian life of a servant, you will “get to” help those of us who are in our “fall” season of life now.

Matthew 25:35-40   NIV

35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,

36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?

39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

1 Peter 4:10  NIV

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Acts 20:35   NIV

35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

1 Peter 4:10-11  NIV

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 23:11   NIV

11 The greatest among you will be your servant.