REDEEMING THE TIME

How to be productive while acknowledging the limitations that come with age

Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever (Deuteronomy 34:7).

Even today, there are seniors like Moses who are healthy and full of vigour. They remain robust until, one day, they expire while sleeping.

But we must bear in mind that, with advancing years, major organs in the body begin to fail. Often it is the heart. Sometimes it is the kidney or the liver. Often multiple organs are affected.

Whether we are believers or not, our bodies are progressively degenerating as we age and finally die. This fact is consistent with biblical teaching and medical science. That is why we are told to remember our Creator before our faculties slow down and fail us—when we won't be able to give of our best to God even if we wanted to (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7).  *   

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

                                                                          

Some seniors feel that the prime years of their youth have not been spent wisely.

But they need not fret. The lost years can be redeemed. Like Caleb, the warrior of faith, seniors can choose to stay productive and useful (Joshua 14:12). Their heart's cry would then be: “What is the inheritance God has in store for me? How can I possess it?” Alternatively, this means: “What is God’s will for my life? How can I fulfill it?”

The apostle Paul was probably suffering from presbyopia when he wrote: “See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand” (Galatians 6:11). Like Paul, many of us would need reading glasses when we grow old. But we can still “bear fruit” while acknowledging the limitations that come with age.

How can we be productive and useful in our golden years?

• Do not retire, but re-fire for God.  http://bit.ly/16Z6s0r

• Let’s reinvent ourselves in our golden years.  http://bit.ly/18ghfyZ

• For the best is yet to come. http://bit.ly/1k9uH2l

Footnotes:

Honour and enjoy your Creator while you’re still young,

Before the years take their toll and your vigour wanes,
Before your vision dims and the world blurs
And the winter years keep you close to the fire.

In old age, your body no longer serves you so well.
Muscles slacken, grip weakens, joints stiffen.
The shades are pulled down on the world.
You can’t come and go at will. Things grind to a halt.
The hum of the household fades away.
You are wakened now by bird-song.
Hikes to the mountains are a thing of the past.
Even a stroll down the road has its terrors.
Your hair turns apple-blossom white,
Adorning a fragile and impotent matchstick body.
Yes, you’re well on your way to eternal rest,
While your friends make plans for your funeral.

Life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over.
Life as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends.
The body is put back in the same ground it came from.
The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it.

*   (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7)

(The Message)

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Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.