How To Grow Old Gracefully

It is said, from 60 to 70 is the commencement of old age. From 70 to 80 is the hoary headed age. From 80 to the end of life is called the advanced age. And Abraham was old, and well stricken (advanced) in age (Gen.24:1).

The joy of old age is forgiveness, and the knowledge of a better life. Don't waste time fretting over the past. Put your past sins under the blood of Christ. Live a life of service to others, saturated in love.

It was the apostle John who referred to himself as the one whom the Master loved (John 21:20). Love was born in the bosom of God. The admonition of Christ was: Continue in my love (John 15:9).

There are many old things that are beautiful in this life. Old rivers are beautiful, old mountains are beautiful, and old stars are beautiful. Think on these things.

When is a man at his best? This question has been asked by many. What do you think? In my own life, I have found (in my advanced years), that my many experiences have taught me much wisdom. The Lord puts a very high value on wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov.9:10). Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom (Prov.4:7)....Pools die for want of wisdom (Prov.10:21). It seems too that we are ever learning and never quite come to the knowledge of this great truth.

As I look at the multitudes that are seemingly drifting without purpose, who are in the twilight zone of life, I want to shout. Ha! The Lord said it could be different. The Lord said it, and I believe it. "They shall still bring forth fruit in their old age." (Ps.92: 14).

Limitations. Yes! In our advanced years of old age also comes limitations. You are no longer equal to the task that you one time performed with ease. The eye becomes dim, the ear dull, the breath short, and the heart faint. Many times because of these weaknesses Satan sells us a bill of goods. Because of our frailty, we feel we are a burden to others. We withdraw, and become quitters. In this phase of life I have found patience a great virtue. "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen shine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord." (Ps.27:14).

There comes a time when those who have come along after us will be preferred before us. Though this be true, our prayer should be that our mantle would fall upon one of our Elishas.

Every person's life touches another person's life either for good or evil. Because of this reality we should be careful to maintain good works. The Psalmist said, "Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths." (Ps.25:4).

Regrets in old age. Yes! I have heard many say, "If I had my life to live over, things would be different." But, try as I may, "I cannot go back." I must go on. The one thing I can do is turn my failures into blessings. By this I mean, helping others to avoid the pitfalls. You see, though the road seems smooth, there are many pot holes.

When memory fails me, and I can no longer remember the Lord's precious promises, they will still hold true. For he hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Heb.13:5).

The shadows are falling. It seems I can hear that old song in the distance: "Come Home It's Supper Time."

Mr. Ira Stanphil expressed it well when he penned the following words:

1. When I was but a boy in the days of childhood

I used to play till evening shadows come,

Then winding down an old familiar pathway,

I heard my Mother call at setting sun.

Chorus:

Come home, come home, it's supper time,

The shadows lengthen fast,

Come home, come home, it's supper time,

We're going home at last.

2. One day beside her bedside I was kneeling,

And angel wings were winging in the air,

She heard the call for Supper Time in heaven,

And now I know she's waiting for me there.

3. In visions now I see her standing yonder,

And her familiar voice I hear once more,

The banquet table's ready up in heaven,

It's supper time upon the golden strand.

"What shall I say more? And it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light." Zach. 14:7).