I found these verses the year I turned 60 years old. I had probably read them multiple times before, but as I entered into a new decade this passage of scripture came alive with deeper meaning.
Many speak of retirement. There are those who convince themselves that they have earned a new season of relaxation and it's time to reward themselves for years of work. Some move to warmer climates, in gated communities, indulging in recreation that fills their days with pleasure. I'm not against a little fun, but it's the mentality that says, "I paid the price, now it's all about me", that seems to be in direct contrast to what God speaks about our later years.
Scripture compares the godly to flourishing palm trees. I read that date palm trees actually bear hundreds of pounds of fruit well past 150 years of age. God uses these plants to describe our lives as we age. God expects continued fruitfulness as we declare the truth of who He is to others. As Josh Mulvihill, Executive Director of Church and Family Ministry at Renewanation writes, "Age does not impair fruit-bearing capabilities. It enhances them." I love that!
When you think of it, our latter years can be more productive than our former, as we now have time to engage in intentional disciple-making. Yes, retirement can usher in some enjoyment, but old age is not for the purpose of leisure and self-indulgence. Growing older is a gift from God. Psalm 90:12 instructs us to "number our days", being strategic in how we utilize every minute of life. We should continually ask ourselves, "How can I live out the remaining years of my life in a way that glorifies God?"
Aging is not a problem to avoid, but a blessing to embrace. In his book, "Full of Years: Aging and the Elderly in the Bible and Today", Stephen Sapp states that in the Old Testament, old age was not something to dread as an intrusion into God's intended purpose for human existence, rather it was something one accepted, if not welcomed, as a sign of God's favour and a reward for righteousness. As Proverbs 16:31 reminds us, gray hair is "a crown of glory".
One of the sweetest seasons most encounter with aging is grandparenting. We can't echo the world's philosophy of "I've raised my children and I'm done", but recognize how the Lord instituted family and all the generations to continue to support, encourage, guide and teach. The opportunity we have as Christ-followers to invest in the lives of our grandchildren yields great impact. To reject and neglect this role is in direct opposition to all that God has designed. God is calling us to be flourishing, fruitful, necessary and lively!
About 20 years ago my sister, Japhia, wrote a poem entitled, "Living in A.W.E. - Aging With Enthusiasm". This is both the mentality and heart that God longs for us to adopt as He graciously extends our years. Breath in our lungs gives evidence His purposes for us aren't complete. If this is how you're filling your days, keep it up! But maybe some need to confess a self-focused pattern that has taken over. Leaves can begin to bud today as God plants you in His purposes for His glory. Let's grow green!
Some thoughts from "Biblical Grandparenting - Exploring God's Design for Disciple-Making and Passing Faith to Future Generations" by Dr. Josh Mulvihill.
Additional biblical grandparenting resources can be found through the Legacy Coalition.
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