Question: I am almost 80 years old and lately I've been wondering, what purpose do I have in life? Why does God keep me here on this earth?

Answer: Thanks for sharing your question. You wonder what purpose God has for your life here on earth. Since you are almost 80 years old, I am sensing that you are retired and are not able to do a lot of things you used to enjoy.

Allow me to explore some things that can remind you that your life still has meaning. Even though I am not 80 years old myself, I have served many senior citizens and can share with you some of the things they found helpful.

An important thing you can do is pray. When we are young, we often get preoccupied with other things—work, family, traveling, etc. As a result our prayer life may suffer. Our senior years can be a blessing because God provides us with time to pray. I know of many older people who prayed for their follow members at church, their family, their pastor, their country and its leaders, and their friends. It was so encouraging to see how this gave purpose to their lives.

If you are still able to get out, perhaps you can get involved at the senior center in town, or volunteer at a nursing home. If not, perhaps you can allow other people to serve you. In doing so, you are not being a burden to others. Rather you are providing them with an opportunity to put their Christian faith into practice. I am sure that if you would discuss this matter with your pastor, he would be happy to explore some opportunities with you.

Probably the best thing you can do is to interact with people. Maybe you have a neighbor that you can get to know better. Maybe it is time to give a relative a call. What about some friends you got to know at church? There are probably others who are in a situation that is similar to yours. They would also enjoy the company of another person.

Even though you may not feel it at times, God still has a purpose for your life here on earth. If he didn't, he would take you out of this life to heaven. He still has some great things in store for you.

This question was submitted by a Web visitor to the WELS Q&A, a collection of questions answered by WELS seminary professors. To read more faith-based questions and answers, visit the WELS Q&A.