Getting Old? God has a plan for that….

    “Mrs. Farabee, you are a good teacher, even though you are old,” stated a well intentioned 5th grader. I smiled happily during the first part of the compliment, but ended up nodding sadly in agreement as she finished her statement. Yes, I look older, I feel older, and I act older.

Would all my ‘getting older’ readers join me in proclaiming a victorious trip to and through old age? I loved my 30th birthday. I laughed about my 40th birthday. My friends loved and laughed about my 50th birthday. I ignored my 60th birthday.

Some of my favorite ‘getting older’ sayings include:

• Age is about mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter. (True.)
• Nature gave us the face we had at 20. We have to work for the face we have at 60. (I worked hard for my wrinkles.)
• At 20, we worried about what people thought of us. At 40, we didn’t care what people thought of us. At 60, we figured out that people haven’t been thinking of us at all. (There is some truth in this.)
• It is important that older people keep up the appearance of having all their marbles. (I attempt to do this daily.)

God has a plan for us during the aging process. Not feeling overly victorious? Here’s some help:

Keep Working –

A lifetime of experience can be a great testimony of God’s faithfulness. It shows us that we still have work to do, so we can’t stop.

Psalm 71:18 – Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare Your power to the next generation. (This verse may need clarification, since many of us manage to get around the gray hair part.)

Psalm 92:14 indicates that we will still bear spiritual fruit in old age. Seek out ways to continue to serve others and to share about your walk with Christ.

According to Titus 2:2-3, we are to be steadfast in faith and teachers of good things to the younger generation. That is a very important role!

Are you still breathing? Then God is still using you.

Take Heart –

The good news- I mean, God news- is that even though my outer self may appear to be declining, I can take heart- my inner self is being renewed daily. 2 Corinthians 4:16

Yes, my body and my mind are affected by the aging process, but would that affect the Power of the Holy Spirit that lives inside me? Of course not!

Maybe I can’t do some things as effectively as I used to, but does that limit my relationship with God? Of course not!

It’s All Good –

And God saw everything He had made, and behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:31 Not just good – but VERY good.

1 Chronicles 29:28 says: And he died in a good old age, full of days.

This is one of many times the phrase ‘good old age’ is used in the Bible, so old age must be GOOD!

Repeat: Old age is good – very good! Old age is good – very good!

Satchel Paige, an American Negro League baseball pitcher, Major League Baseball pitcher, and Baseball Hall of Fame member, did not know his age for much of his life. He only knew he was born between 1900-1908. He took the mound for the last time 60 years after his supposed birthday. When asked about his age, he often responded with, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?”

My best answer: I guess I would be the age God wants me to be. And, I need to KEEP WORKING, TAKE HEART, and know that IT’S ALL (VERY) GOOD!