December 10, 2018 – Click here to listen
I was riding a rental car bus at the airport yesterday and the driver was chattering away trying to conduct a conversation. For the life of me I couldn’t understand, (hear), what the driver was saying. Finally, I told him, “I’m sorry I don’t hear all that well,” and pointed to my ear. “That’s all right no need for apologies,” he smiled, “You’ve paid your dues.”
Hmmm . . . This guy was a young African American man and seemed a lot wiser than his years. After 7 decades I guess I am entitled to be a little hard of hearing. Young people including my children and grandchildren seem very perturbed when I cannot hear so well, or see, or get out of a car quickly. What they fail to realize is that there was a time when I could do all of that with ease.
When I think of all that has transpired in my life it is amazing to me that this old body has held up as well as it has. In reality, it’s a wonder that I’m alive at all. So, I guess if I don’t hear so well, or see like a youngster, or move as quickly as I once did, I should just thank God that He has allowed me to see another sunrise this morning.
I suggest that all of us are heading in the same direction. The train left the station for some of us many decades ago, others are just getting started. We have different destinations with some allowed just a short ride and others a very long ride. It seems my ride has lasted far longer than anyone would’ve believed, especially me.
So, by now you are probably wondering where I’m going with this. I said all of that to say this: as your body begins to wear out don’t be dismayed. So many never get so far down the tracks. You are special. So, what are we supposed to do in our golden years? The Bible declares in Psalm 71:18 – So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come. Granted many do not want to listen, but we need to remember in Psalm 2:14 – They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green . . . Some do listen!
Live through the arthritic pain and the irritation of not hearing and seeing so well and focus on the Lord.
And you youngsters should listen to the spirit regarding us old codgers:
Lev. 19:32
“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.