I have noticed a recurring topic and repeated pattern in the conversations I’m having with my friends as I get older. It’s the topic of caring for aging parents.
The aging parents conversation usually progresses to a separate but related topic: the topic of becoming aging parents ourselves.
And finally, the aging parent/becoming an aging parent conversation often concludes when one of us says something like, “When I get old and other people have to take care of me, I don’t want to become a bitter, selfish, negative, old woman,” and the other replies, “Amen, sister!”
But as I was reading my Bible the other day, I came across some good news about growing old. You see, according to the Psalms, old age can present us with new opportunities to glorify God. See for yourself:
“Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” Psalm 71:18 (NLT)
“But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, ‘The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!'” Psalm 92:12-15 (NLT)
“I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath!” Psalm 104:33 (NLT)
Today is Monday, precious sister, and there’s no better day to begin becoming the old woman you want to be than today, and here’s how:
- By proclaiming God’s “power to this new generation” (Ps. 71:18 NLT) today and every remaining day of your life.
- By living a godly lifestyle and walking with Him today and everyday so that in your old age, you “will still produce fruit” (Ps. 92:14 NLT).
- By singing and praising the Lord today, tomorrow and everyday thereafter so that the final whispers from your wrinkled lips will be the sweet sounds of His praise.
Maybe you’re like me — just thinking about growing old triggers the, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus,” prayer. But should He tarry, and should He allow us to grow old (and become the topic of our children’s conversations about aging parents), let’s make it our goal to become grey-headed glo girls – faithful, godly, fruit-bearing, praise-on-our-lips, old women who glorify God to our very last breath. And let’s begin today.
Your getting-greyer-everyday sister,
