“Even to your old age and gray hairs, I will sustain you." ~ Isaiah 46:4
I can’t remember the first time I
saw the sun. Memories only go back to
when I was about three years old, and by then I was only about three feet tall. Our home was small, our neighborhood was
quiet, my parents were busy.
I’m much older now. It
shows in my face. I feel it in my bones. No part of my body performs the way it did
when I was twentysomething. My reflexes
are slower, I have more aches and pains and I do all my own stunts – but never
intentionally. (laugh please)
Yet, choosing the right roads into senior-ity matters far more
than birthdays or the bumps we encounter. The Bible (Job 12:12), reveals that old age “brings
more wisdom and understanding;” wisdom that allows me to see the obvious, or to
use common sense without second-guessing myself or the outcomes.
Instead, I have time every morning to read and meditate on
the Word. I can kneel and pray for as
long as my rickety old knees can stand it. I have time to really listen to God.
I now have time to really listen to people. I'm at a point where I have more empathy for
others; providing a leveling perspective to the chaos often churning around
them.
As a younger man, most of my ministry was in raising a
family. Now my ministry extends into
other areas as God opens new doors and opportunities. Even though my hearing is not as good, I’m
more in tune with His voice. My mind isn’t
as sharp, but I’m more grateful for His blessings. My reactions are slower, but I’m quicker to rely
on Him. My eyesight might not be
perfect, but I view God’s enormity more clearly than ever before.
I guess you could say, that as I'm growing old, I am also
growing up.
Every season of our lives has purpose. God doesn’t cast us off in our later years
just because our vigor is fading. He uses
us, no matter our age, to continue His work.
I stand closer than ever, at the edge of eternity’s pool. As I begin to walk out on the creaky diving
board of advanced adulthood, I have no fear. God stands with me, holding my wrinkled hand
with a strength that only the love and focus of His grace, and my experience, bring.
