If God is giving us the gift of long life, how are we using it? Recently, I spent an entire afternoon in the ER awaiting medical help for my strong husband. Although quite painful, his issue was not life-threatening. Even so, it was a reminder of our physical frailties and even our mortality.  Both of us are quite healthy, so I sometimes forget the passing decades.  God has ways of reminding me!

Soon after our afternoon in ER, I indulged in planting pansies, the colorful annuals that bloom all winter. In spite of regular workouts, a day of digging in the dirt and carrying bags of soil amendments made it clear that I am not quite as strong or flexible as I used to be! Again, God reminded me how frail and mortal I truly am even though I’ve been given the privilege of aging, perhaps even the gift of long life.

Recently a new, younger friend pointed out to me an attractive, older woman describing her as both a mentor and a best friend. She continued her praise by saying, she wanted to be just like this friend as she herself aged. What high praise! In closing, my young friend informed me that this vibrant woman, who I observed energetically working the crowd with good will, was 85 years old! Is this what a good old age looks like?! I would love to be such a role model. This exchange generated an attitude check for me.

  1.  Do I have friends of all ages? OR, am I unconsciously isolating by failing to make new friends?  How long since I invited someone to coffee or lunch?
  2.  Have I bought into ageism and the myth of retirement? OR, do I have ministry plans and people goals for 2023?  Is my current ministry bearing fruit and using my gifts? Might God be calling me elsewhere in the New Year?
  3. Do I frequently thank God for the gift of long life? OR, do I mourn each sign of the aging process? Am I focused on the numerous losses of this season of life? OR, do I ask God to show me its opportunities? Do I need an attitude adjustment?
  4. Is my own daily input uplifting and biblical? How might I become more faithful at interceding for those I love as well as His church, this nation, Israel, and the ministries I support? Whatever the state of my health, prayer in Jesus’ name is a powerful ministry option.
  5. While holding fast to God’s promises for this life, do I joyfully anticipate Heaven’s glory?  Should Jesus return tomorrow, am I ready? Are those near and dear to me also rapture-ready? How about you? May the New Year find each of us joyfully serving the Lord with all our hearts. Amen.

Genesis 15:15 God’s Promise to Abraham: You, however, will go to your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age.

Proverbs 3:16 Long life is in her (Wisdom’s) right hand; and in her left hand are riches and honor. 

Deuteronomy 33:25B Moses’ blessing of the tribe of Asher . . . your strength shall equal your days.

Psalm 92:12-15 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Psalm 39:4—7 AMP Lord, let me know my life’s end and (to appreciate) the extent of my days, Let me know how frail I am (how transient is my stay here). Behold, You have made my days (as short) as hand widths. And my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah.  Surely every man walks around like a shadow (in a charade); Surely they make an uproar for nothing; Each one builds up riches, not knowing who will receive them. And now, Lord, for what do I expectantly wait? My hope (confident expectation) is in You. Amen.