Old Age and What it can Teach us
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit. 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are [just] a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. (James 4:13-14 – NASB)
At any age we acknowledge our earthly sojourn is brief, but old age itself has a way of forcing us to face up to the reality of it. It’s like a gathering storm that sends us scuttling to prepare for its onslaught. Old age forces us to re-evaluate our life choices, and make new ones in preparation for the crossing over.
I’m thinking that many things we valued in our youth fade in importance the closer we get to the day of our death.
Of course, that could happen at any time, but old age has a way of reminding us that day is not too far off. It is a good time to re-assess what things in our lives will last for time, or eternity. We shouldn’t wait for old age to tell us that, but many do. Like Spring Cleaning, I’m ticking off the things that need to go in the trash, and what things need to occupy a higher place of honour.
Growing Old
(© Monday 20th April 2015 – by Christopher Shennan)
You are [just] a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. (James 4:14 – NASB)
Growing old is precious to me;
It’s the gift I value the most.
It has taught me more lessons than
Youth ever did – this I can boast.
Old age taught me not to waste time
On goals that are fleeting at best;
To give my utmost for His Highest,
And what gives my soul its true rest.
Old age made me think what I’m worth,
In terms of what I give, not get;
In the end it’s what I’ve given,
Not what I’ve got is most worth – I bet.
Growing old has focused my eyes,
Not on time but eternity,
On hearing my Lord say, “Well done!”
To live more for other – than me.
What a treasure old age has been;
It’s granted more riches, I’ve found,
Than the famed and wealthy an boast –
Not earth, but for Heaven I’m bound.
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An Elderly Man by Ahmet Demirel. This image is in the public domain.
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