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to staying young, even
when you don’t feel like it
It was early spring, I had just walked
in the door of a house where our
youth group was meeting for the
night. The host parents gave a warm
welcome, then, after a few minutes,
the husband made his way over to me
and said, “So, what grade are you in?”
The problem was—I wasn’t in a grade.
I was a 28-year-old youth leader.
It was a little humorous at the time,
though somewhat awkward for the
host. For me, it was an invaluable mo-
ment. I uncovered a few proven se-
crets you can do to keep staying and
looking young—even when you don’t
feel like it.
3 Secrets to Staying Young
Secret 1 - Stay On Your Toes
Younger people keep you busy be-
cause they are busy. It forces you to
be one step ahead of them—because
you’re the responsible one in charge!
Whether it’s a baby crawling across
the floor or a toddler running circles
around you—there’s never a dull mo-
ment! You’re always on the move. You
can be sure when there are young
people around—there will always be
an adventure.
Secret 2 - Sharpen Your Mind
Learn and re-learn. Younger people
help you to learn new things. Just
think about a two–year–old holding
your cell phone. They somehow man-
age to hack into your phone even if
you have a passcode lock on it! You
also get to re–learn things that you
already know! Remember, you were
younger once! You have experience
that they can learn from—no matter
what age you are or what age they
are. This keeps your mind sharp—an-
other proven benefit to keeping you
young!
Secret 3 - Increase You-Stress
Typically when we talk about stress,
we think of it as having a negative
impact on our health. Did you know
that when you participate in activities
that engage you in life, where you feel
more alive and influential—it’s called
eustress (pronounced you-stress)?
Studies actually show that it’s a good
stress and it reduces distress or bad
stress. You can have fun with young
people by gaining new experiences
and looking at things with a fresh per-
spective. Who wouldn’t want to have
more fun in life?! It’s also an opportu-
nity for you to have an influence that
leaves a legacy. You can offer your ex-
perience while caring for their hearts
and mind and by encouraging them to
deepen their faith.
I Looked Young
Remember when I was mistaken for
a high schooler? I looked young, but I
didn’t really feel young. I just took it as
a compliment in the moment. Look-
ing back, it is kind of ironic how these
three secrets to staying young contin-
ue to play out in my life.
I’m 40 years old with a two–and–a–
half year old son who keeps me on
my toes. At times I’ve thought, “What
am I doing? I’m too old for this!” But,
I found the encouragement and sup-
port I needed when I joined Calvary
Church MOPS (Mothers of Preschool-
ers). When motherhood seems to be
running me ragged, my mentor moms
have reminded me that the days are
long, but the years are short. When
I’m in need of a break from having
By Sonya Rottman MOPS Mom
to keep a step ahead of my toddler,
I’m refreshed by meeting with oth-
er moms who are just like me. As I
choose YOU-stress for myself—I’m
confident my son is being well cared
for by loving MOPS Kids volunteers.
In case you wondered, it really is
the truth—younger people keep you
young! I get mistaken for a mom in
my mid-twenties all the time.
How can you stay young?
Volunteer with Calvary’s
MOPS Program!
We’re looking for help in the following
areas:
• MOPS Kids Childcare Providers
Team Leader
•
• MOPS Childcare Provider
MOPS Kids Substitute Childcare
Provider
Thank you for prayerfully consider-
ing if serving in MOPS is where God
would have you in the fall. Contact
Donna Ross ([email protected])
at ext. 5186 to sign up and serve.
RETURNING TO CALVARY THIS FALL
If you’re a mom with children
preschool-aged or younger—there’s a
sisterhood of moms who would love
to meet you and do life with you. We
invite you to Calvary MOPS! We meet
on the fi rst, third, and fi fth Thursdays,
beginning in September. Join us as we
adventure together!
calvarymops.wordpress.com
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