Last
month I passed my 77th birthday.
The problem is, in my mind I still see myself as a 29 year old. This is true in spite of some physical
changes. One sure cure for such thinking
is to attend a high school class reunion, which Liz and I did the day before my
birthday. There was no one there but old
people. So I had to admit that “I are
one.” In reality, at my age I now think of old age as someone in their late 80s or 90s. When and if I get to those ages I am sure I will think of old age as someone past 100.
The innocence of children will also
remind us of our advancing years. Seven
years ago, when my oldest grandson was seven years old, he was over at our
house. I had been working outside and was sweaty and dirty. I came inside to clean up for dinner and I
put on a clean golf shirt. Graham looked
at me over the table and said, “Grandy,
you look good!...except for the wrinkles all around your face!” I was not offended, just reminded, and
amused.
I consider old age a gift from
God. Many of my contemporaries are
already gone. Some of them departed this
life at a relatively young age. I have
now well exceeded the threescore and ten mentioned by the Psalmist. (Psalm
90:10) These I count as bonus years. I welcome them as further opportunity to
serve my Lord. Some ask me when I will
fully retire. My answer is, “I may slow
down a bit, but I will never fully retire”.
The call to ministry has no time limit. As long as God leads a church to desire my
service, and as long as He gives me strength and mental sharpness to do so, I
will be a pastor or interim pastor.
But this is also true of all
Christians. God has called us into His
service. We serve Him in manifold
ways. And there is no expiration date on
that call. As long as He gives us life,
and in spite of declining health or declining ability, we continue to serve Him
in this world as best we can. One day we shall all join
the “heavenly chorus” and continue to worship and serve Him throughout eternity.
Grace and peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment