A Blessed Senior Moment by Glynis M. Belec

Recently I had the privilege of speaking to a group of seniors in a little town not too far away. We were nicely nestled in a room where our elbows almost touched and the acoustics were terrific.

When I speak to groups I often have at least one, two, maybe three six foot tables to spread out my books,  information, computer, promotional material, displays, free draw and more. Here - I had a card table. But oddly enough I managed and I had a wonderful time. I had rigged the piano bench to sit in the middle of the floor and there I placed the 'free draw.' Even though I was pressed to the corner, and had to ensure no one tripped over the table leg when they entered the room, I had such fun. Speaking to seniors feels like a blessing. Not everyone would be classified as official seniors, although I am thinking most were over 65 except maybe Judy and Janice. But they all seemed eager to hear what I had to say.

I was duly impressed when we sang O Canada at the beginning. I squeezed out of my little spot in the corner to stand to attention and picked up my Canada flag. I bring that along when I speak about A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider and Inscribed. It seemed even more appropriate to have the flag in my

hand as the walls shook with patriotic voices. I was even more impressed when we recited the Lord's Prayer. Something pretty comforting about business meetings starting with the national anthem and then prayer. I felt instantly at ease.

My soon to be attentive audience had a few business items to attend to but before long, Mr. Alan gave me the floor. I told them how grateful I was that they had me come speak again. I had the privilege of speaking to this same group (with a few member changes) the year before.

As I prattled on about my books and my life as a writer, I saw keen eyes scrutinizing my words. They laughed at my jokes and shared in my sadness. It's not that I had any profound words nor did I proffer any great wisdom. I merely spoke about my passion as a writer and shared some of my latest writing endeavours.

Once I was finished they had wonderful comments and questions. I felt so loved and then decided how honoured I was to stand before this mature audience sharing what I do. No one was in a hurry to leave. Likely the delicious snacks had more to do with that than my presence!

 One kind Gentleman recalled a column I had written in a local newspaper for 11 years. I resigned from that in 1997 but he reminded me how he would read my column first. He also told me I should do it again. Oddly enough I had already approached the paper to do so. Now I am waiting on God to see if it is in His plan!

Many heads nodded as I spoke about passion. I shared a few of my own stories then I found myself being blessed by some amazing stories of these wise and wonderful seniors. Perhaps it was the pace that was appealing. Definitely it was the prayer that set the moment. Certainly it was the life experiences of these dear folk who made me feel like I was sitting in my living room having tea and chatting. I would do it again in a heart beat.

And to think they paid me for my time and I even sold some books.

What a lovely day in my life...

(P.S. Thanks to my darling daughter for accompanying me and taking the photographs. More blessings...)

 Leviticus 19:32
“Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” (NIV)