Some days I feel old. Some days I feel tired.
As soon as I admit those feelings to the Lord, I get a breath of energy. A zing of assuredness. My work on earth is not done.
Years ago, I heard a pastor say the word retirement is not in the Bible. And I am reminded of the age of greats throughout history. There is even a claim that the decade between ages 60 and 70 is one of the most productive.
I am reminded of my own dream-come-true success story. On my 61st birthday, I signed my first contract, launching Moselle’s Insurance and my years as a novelist.
One of my earliest motivational phrases has kept me going. “If God calls, He equips.” A quick browser search will give you nine Bible verses of encouragement. Nothing is mentioned of age.
My go-to word for 2024 was anticipation. Each day I tried to anticipate the steps my God had ordained for me that day. Such thoughts backed by Scripture are encouraging and generate energy. Even when busyness, health, or pain seem to interfere, we Christians are able to pray. Praying for others should never stop, and it something we can do until we draw our last breath.
There are times when I’ve felt ignored and overlooked. These young ones are in a world of their own. For some, they are surely concentrating on survival. If they’d stop to think how each person has been given unique experiences, along with talents, they might be curious about the lives of seniors. Those of us with gray and white hair have decades of knowledge gained by living out the story of an individual life. Experience and wisdom are meant to be passed on, enabling others to learn.
Speaking of wisdom, I recently learned the root word of wisdom is skill. We elderly have skills to pass on and share with those willing to learn.
As we age it’s also easier to admit when we’re wrong. Why get upset over the small stuff? For years, I thought a particular shade of lavender was called heather. Only to be told be a friend that heather is gray. I’d always associated heather with England. Then I looked it up. Purple heather is a shrub in Scotland. So, hmm. We can always learn no matter how old we are.
That said, just because I’ve read the Bible umpteen times, I can still glean new concepts. I read it chronologically for the first time in 2024. Is what we learn from Scripture meant to be kept to ourselves? May it never be! The Word of God is for us to share. And when it comes to wisdom, King Solomon knew what that was all about.
Solomon wrote the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. He also penned a few Psalms and a thousand songs. Gifted by God, Solomon reigned as king for forty years, but only lived into his mid-fifties. Some readers may think that old, but I sincerely doubt he ever thought he’d quit writing or doing what he was called by God to do.
No matter how old we are, we can remain children at heart. For some crazy reason, “Heigh Ho” from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs came to mind when I thought about writing. Those little guys sang and whistled as they happily worked. A viewer is meant to smile and sing along.
As soon as I admit those feelings to the Lord, I get a breath of energy. A zing of assuredness. My work on earth is not done.
Years ago, I heard a pastor say the word retirement is not in the Bible. And I am reminded of the age of greats throughout history. There is even a claim that the decade between ages 60 and 70 is one of the most productive.
I am reminded of my own dream-come-true success story. On my 61st birthday, I signed my first contract, launching Moselle’s Insurance and my years as a novelist.
One of my earliest motivational phrases has kept me going. “If God calls, He equips.” A quick browser search will give you nine Bible verses of encouragement. Nothing is mentioned of age.
My go-to word for 2024 was anticipation. Each day I tried to anticipate the steps my God had ordained for me that day. Such thoughts backed by Scripture are encouraging and generate energy. Even when busyness, health, or pain seem to interfere, we Christians are able to pray. Praying for others should never stop, and it something we can do until we draw our last breath.
There are times when I’ve felt ignored and overlooked. These young ones are in a world of their own. For some, they are surely concentrating on survival. If they’d stop to think how each person has been given unique experiences, along with talents, they might be curious about the lives of seniors. Those of us with gray and white hair have decades of knowledge gained by living out the story of an individual life. Experience and wisdom are meant to be passed on, enabling others to learn.
Speaking of wisdom, I recently learned the root word of wisdom is skill. We elderly have skills to pass on and share with those willing to learn.
As we age it’s also easier to admit when we’re wrong. Why get upset over the small stuff? For years, I thought a particular shade of lavender was called heather. Only to be told be a friend that heather is gray. I’d always associated heather with England. Then I looked it up. Purple heather is a shrub in Scotland. So, hmm. We can always learn no matter how old we are.
That said, just because I’ve read the Bible umpteen times, I can still glean new concepts. I read it chronologically for the first time in 2024. Is what we learn from Scripture meant to be kept to ourselves? May it never be! The Word of God is for us to share. And when it comes to wisdom, King Solomon knew what that was all about.
Solomon wrote the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. He also penned a few Psalms and a thousand songs. Gifted by God, Solomon reigned as king for forty years, but only lived into his mid-fifties. Some readers may think that old, but I sincerely doubt he ever thought he’d quit writing or doing what he was called by God to do.
No matter how old we are, we can remain children at heart. For some crazy reason, “Heigh Ho” from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs came to mind when I thought about writing. Those little guys sang and whistled as they happily worked. A viewer is meant to smile and sing along.
May we all strive, as Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” I hope to end my days satisfied that I continued to work out what I was called to do.
That said, my word for 2025 is RENEW.
Dear Father God, thank You for renewing me on those days I feel tired and lack energy. Please renew my commitment to writing. Renew my connection with those I love. Renew my love for You, Lord, as I work, rest, give thanks, trust, experience victory, rejoice, and thrive. Thank You for a song in my heart at those times I am weary. Thank You for giving me work, no matter how small the task. I continue to anticipate the day set before me. In Jesus’ Almighty Name, amen
That said, my word for 2025 is RENEW.
Dear Father God, thank You for renewing me on those days I feel tired and lack energy. Please renew my commitment to writing. Renew my connection with those I love. Renew my love for You, Lord, as I work, rest, give thanks, trust, experience victory, rejoice, and thrive. Thank You for a song in my heart at those times I am weary. Thank You for giving me work, no matter how small the task. I continue to anticipate the day set before me. In Jesus’ Almighty Name, amen
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