SEASONS OF LIFE (PSALM 1:1-3)

Snippet of Sermon by Rev Helen Hoe (Senior Citizen's Sunday)

Some people have likened one's life to the seasons in a year: Spring, Summer, Autumn Winter. It is important to embrace both the high's and the low's of each season.

Our world values youth and beauty, achievement and making contributions. The secret to living a blessed life is to appreciate the full orb of life.

v3 gives us a picture of a God-centered life. How does it come about? v1-2 tells us that it all begins with decision making. The key is in v2, to meditate on the law of the Lord, reflect on what it means in this season of life. Many homebound elderly folks want to die. They are always in waiting and feel unhappy and disillusioned easily because they have nothing to do. Professor Morrie Schwartz who was the main character in the book, "Tuesdays with Morrie" said this,

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”

Mitch Albom came to the conclusion as he accompanied Prof Morrie into his delibitating state, “You have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn't work, don't buy it.”

 

 Nimbyism refers to "Not in my backyard" syndrome.

About 40 people signed petition to oppose MOH plan no-to-nursing-home-say-bishan-residents.

NOT in my neighbourhood, please.
In the latest example of Singaporeans not wanting certain amenities in their estate, a group of Bishan residents are clamouring for a nursing home to be sited elsewhere.
The Ministry of Health plans to build a 260-bed nursing home on a 0.3ha site facing three blocks of flats in Bishan Street 13.
The Lions Home for the Elders will be six to eight storeys tall.
At a dialogue held at Bishan Community Club yesterday to discuss the issue, about 20 residents voiced their opposition.

Some wanted the Government to scout for other sites while others lamented the loss of the site which is now used as a football field.
This episode comes just over a week after residents in Upper Bukit Timah banded together in a bid to block the development of taller condominiums in their neighbourhood.

In another incident in February, residents of Toh Yi estate protested against the Housing Board's plans to build studio apartments there for the elderly.
This time, a petition with about 40 names was handed to a Health Ministry representative at the dialogue attended by about 200 residents.

It is important that we, who will grow into the winter of our lives to:

1. make room for others.

2. be compassionate and show the rest of the world that we care as younger people.

 

REFLECTION QUESTION
1. Am I taking a lead to appreciate my life at this time?

2. What am I doing not to buy into the NIMBYISM of our culture? How can I make a difference?