By Glenda Moore

Fourteen years ago, I was in a serious auto accident. Unable to move or feel anything, I knew that God was in control. I felt that if I lived, God must have something else for me to do. After a month in St. Mary’s and a year and a half in physical therapy rehab, I was getting back to normal.

What is normal for an active senior? Since I’m past the three-quarter-century mark, I do qualify as a “senior” citizen. But then, I feel that age is an attitude and I generally don’t feel the “senior” status. Devotions and a morning prayer start my day. Then comes the newspaper—reading the front page, checking the stock market and savoring the sports pages. Next, it’s on to the puzzles—all of them. Now I’m ready for the active part of my day.

Church activities make up a big part of my life. Because I am widowed and my sons and their families live in other states, my local family is my church family. A circle of friends, both inside and outside the church, is my support group. My church activities include working in the library, singing in the choir, two weekly Bible studies and various monthly small group activities, such as a book group, a stitching group, a small dinner group, and senior outings and lunches.

Outside of my church life, you’ll find me a couple of times a week at Silver Sneakers, an exercise program for seniors, and walking the other days of the week. Once a week, I volunteer at the Community Food Bank. I’m also active in a PEO chapter, a philanthropic education organization for women, and I meet monthly with a rug braiding group and the Weavers Guild. Keeping up with the activities of my two sons, their wives and five grandchildren involves the phone, Skype, emails, texting and Facebook.

It’s my faith in God and Jesus Christ that keeps me going every day, because 14 years ago, I didn’t know if I would keep going. In my retirement years (at least, retired as far as a paycheck is concerned), I do the things I love and have learned that I can say “no” to anything that doesn’t fit. And I love my “me” time at home. For me, it’s a time when I can just sit and do nothing if I choose, and be comfortable doing nothing.

Grand Junction is a great place to live, with many opportunities available. Start by getting out and volunteering—get in the midst of something. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is a good place to start because they work with 90+ organizations in the area to help you find a good fit to volunteer, no matter what your skills are.

Finally, no matter what your faith is, live it. You’re invited to join me and my other senior friends at First Presbyterian Church, located at 3940 27-1/2 Road in Grand Junction. Call us at 242-1923 for our next senior event.