WATCHWORD:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
17 God, you taught me from my youth, so I am still declaring your awesome deeds. 18Also, when I reach old age and have gray hair, God, do not forsake me, until I have declared your power to this generation and your might to the next one. Psalm 71:17-18
Meditation:
Never Retire!
Several years ago, a very close friend of mine and my pastor, reached what, in our culture, was ‘retirement age’ and told me in strong words, “I’ll never retire.” It took me a while to fully understand what he meant. I first thought he was saying once a pastor always a pastor, but I think what he was saying to me, as well as to you, you never retire from being a Christian. You never retire from the purpose that God has given you in your life.
Now I understand. There are all kinds of examples of people who have continued their life far beyond that magic age of retirement and yet continued. Victor Borge continued doing concerts until he died at age 91. Tony Bennett is 93 and to date, he leaves his heart in more cities then just San Francisco where he continues to go and sing. Master Cellist Pablo Casals was asked why, at age 93, he kept practicing 8 hours a day, and he said, “I think I’m improving.”
Pardon a personal story, while I’ve written little essays over in my years it wasn’t until I was 83 that I began a novel and at 86, had a publisher, who published my first book. Then my second book was published when I was 87, and now at age 88 I have two books that I’m preparing to submit to my publisher. I continued to write every day and I can say with cellist Casals that ‘I think I am improving’.
I was getting a ride from my daughter’s home to the airport, and in the course of our conversation, she told me about her uncle who, in his later years, daily wrote little essays of family history each day for a year. We treasure those. And, she added, he was 90!
What is the common denominator here? God gives us as many years as we are allowed on this earth, and it’s up to us to make every one of those years count. I think about two major bits of advice. One goes like this: ‘You’re never too old to think and to follow through on new thoughts.’ And the other is: ‘Don’t give up on yourself too early.’ When you do that you’re giving up on so many of the blessings God wants to provide you, wants to bestow on you. When we give up, we lose a sense of our importance, our sense of value, and in a real way we lose the joy that comes with truly living.
I agree with my friend, never give up and never retire. Recognize that you are blessed, that the favors and the graces never cease, for you are God’s child, regardless of age. Amen
Closing Prayer:
I praise You my dear Father in Heaven, for You are my Lord, my Savior. Dear Abba Father, I need You each and everyday. I will never give up. My hope is in You all day long, dear lord. I believe that my Lord Jesus always stays with me. Be by my side, now and when I need You. Give me the persistence and commitment to continue steadfast in Your love. May I be unyielding to the temptation to take what seems to be the easy road. Let my eyes always be on You, Lord. Amen.
What a joy our ride to the airport was Stan!
My 4-year-old granddaughter was recently learning to ride a tricycle and was struggling in the beginning stages of learning. I asked her, “Do you feel like giving up?” She said with a huge grin, “oh no, I’m a mechanic and mechanics never give up!” (Her dad is a mechanic, and has taught her this)
When speaking with you, I was reminded of that same sweet, determined spirit. God blessed me that morning.