We are reading through 1 Timothy in my Community Bible Study right now.

Many of you don’t know, I worked with youth. Sometimes because no one else did and sometimes because I wanted to. There is a difference.

What I am finding is that there were at least three components. God, someone to instruct me & guide me and passing that knowledge and encouragement on.

Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.  -1 Timothy 4:11-12 NLT

Looking back, I was not the greatest example. Not to make excuses, most of the time I was swimming. I didn’t always have a great encourager or teacher. I was learning as I went. Most of the time stumbling along. Proud of what was accomplished.

I never lead one to Christ. Not traditionally.

I tell this to you not that you will feel sorrow for me but to encourage you. You are not fully alone.

O.K. I am going to switch topics. My friend Christine told me that on one of my MS Walks, “You are not alone!”, I believed her. The 2019 year people arrived with flair. (I would love to see that again.) They were there to support me even though I had an incurable disease. I didn’t feel alone.

Now, 6 years have passed. I am much different from that Julie. Sure, my balance is still off. However, my walking, eyesight, talking, writing is so different. Some of it angers me and some of it…”Meh, that’s life.” You learn to adapt.

Back to Paul. Do you think he was more into adaptation or being a rule taker? He seemed pretty serious if you ask me.

The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of old. – Proverbs 20:29 NLT or We admire a young man for his strength, but we respect an old man for his gray hair. ERV

I think the Easy To Read version (ERV) helps me. See, I am not alone. Help is on the way. (One of Toby Mac’s songs which is a favorite.)

I went to a lovely memorial & I really liked how she was remembered. You see, she encouraged me. In more ways than one. She encouraged me even in her death.

I have work to do. Good work.