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 