His record sounds like a tall tale.
He traveled 250,000 miles (that’s ten times around the globe at the equator) by horseback or on foot. All told, he preached 40,000 sermons. And by the end of his life, his followers included scores of people on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean:
- 71, 668 British members
- 294 preachers in Britain
- 43,265 American members
- 198 preachers in America
- 19 missionaries
But that’s not all. This giant of Christianity also wrote dozens of books.
This is no tall tale; it’s the life of John Wesley (1703-1791).
(John Wesley)
Even into old age, John Wesley proclaimed the good news about Jesus and his gift of eternal life.
At age 83, he was still writing books, but very disappointed that after fifteen hours at his desk, his eyes would start to hurt.
At age 86, Wesley could still preach a rousing sermon, but sadly (to him) he only had stamina for two per day, not three as had been his standard for many years.
It also frustrated Wesley that he needed more rest as he aged. No longer did he wake up ready to seize the day at 4:00 a.m. In his latter years he had to sleep until 5:30.
The evidence seems clear: John Wesley lived every day of his life with purpose and passion—even into old age.
And undoubtedly he received great satisfaction and fulfillment from his choice to remain active and useful.
Like some men and women today, Wesley carried on into his golden years what he had been doing for decades. (I recently heard on the news about a one hundred-year old woman who is still teaching school. Like John Wesley though, she’s curtailed her schedule!)
Others of us explore new paths during our retirement years. Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t begin her best-selling “Little House on the Prairie” series until age 64. The last book, These Happy Golden Years, she completed at age 76.
(Laura Ingalls Wilder)
Wesley’s and Wilder’s examples (and those of countless others) prove: It is possible to accomplish worthwhile endeavors even as we age.
If you’re young, you can look forward to new possibilities of successful, purposeful living for decades to come.
If you’re older as I am, we still can enjoy successful, purposeful living.
But for all of us, maintaining an attitude of faith and remaining involved with others is most important because:
Our influence on those around us offers opportunity for the most significant contribution.
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank You, Father, that each chapter of my life has included purpose and blessing. Keep me mindful that my purpose includes living a legacy of influence. May love, faith, and integrity be the guiding principles for all my remaining days!
From the Inside Out 
Thank you for your encouragement. Just came from PW and I had not written anything to share today as the motivation is not there due to many other distractions. Hopefully by next month the inspiration will come. Hope you and Steve are well. Love to you both.
Oh, Ruth. I’m glad you attended PW, even without something to share. I trust that just being with those dear friends was spirit-lifting. Surely the distractions will wane given time, and the inspiration needed to write will return. Your mind, body, and spirit have undoubtedly required a period of rest. Perhaps the best strategy is to give in to it–at least for awhile. Love to you, dear friend! (P.S. Steve and I are doing well. Thank you for asking!)
Thanks Nancy for your words. I love getting your blogs. Love to you and Steve, Tedi
Thank you, Tedi, for being such a faithful follower. Love to you also, sweet friend!
I really enjoyed reading John Wesley’s biography. Knew who you were talking about before I saw his name. He was an amazing man. If I remember correctly, he was at odds with Mr. Whitfield. In their latter days, I think they became reconciled. Both were on the opposite theological spectrum. Thanks for keeping up the blog!
Yes, I too have read that Wesley and Whitefield had their differences. But each impacted Britain and America in powerful ways, introducing thousands to Jesus. Praise God he does not base our usefulness on whether our theology is perfect! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by, Samuel, and sharing your thoughts.
What an encouraging post! A great reminder that as I get older and slow down physically it is even MORE important to endeavor to be a positive and helpful influence on those around me. And to leave a legacy of my love for the Lord…and His for me. As usual, I love the history lesson, Nancy!
Thank you, Cheri. Perhaps the motivation to be useful for God and a positive influence for others will keep us revved up as we age. How does that commercial go? A body at rest tends to stay at rest; a body in motion tends to stay in motion!
Had no idea Wesley was so prolific in his output! A learned doctor friend said just the other day that Great Britain as we know it would not have survived into the 20th century if it weren’t for the Wesleyan revival. An all due to that “heartwarming experience!”
I’d say we need another John Wesley to lead another Great Awakening for this century, in this country. Lord, have mercy on us!
wow I didn’t know all of this. amazing. Great example when we talk to older folks who don’t think they have anything left in them to contribute due to their age. Inspiring.
Until recently, I, too, was not aware of the hours John Wesley continued to expend for Jesus, into his 80s, and right up to his death. You’re right: he and Mrs. Wilder provide inspiring examples of usefulness–no matter the age!
Great words of inspiration 👼 And very good to see you again💞
Thank you, Bobbi. It was a euphoric treat to see YOU again, too!