One day you will wake up and realize you aren’t getting any younger. It might be subtle or hit like a lightning bolt. “I can’t do what I used to do physically.” You can’t lift, walk, or reach like you could years ago. You don’t have the strength. Emotionally, your nerves seem sharper than a razor’s edge—in a bad way. Little things upset you for no reason, and it bothers you.
Then there’s the mental aspect. Your memory has chunks of blank spots. For example, how to get somewhere that you’ve been before, or where you left the keys—it happens to all of us. Maybe that’s the reason carmakers make new cars keyless. You have a list of passwords for your computer—if you can remember where you stored it.
The combination of the above wears on your self-worth and makes you feel:
- helpless at times.
- embarrassed about asking for help.
- maybe refusing to ask because of your stubbornness.
- like no one really cares about me.
- Like you’re reaping what you sowed from years earlier.
- Why should I change? After all, I helped others; now it’s their turn to help me.
So, what if you can’t do some things? Let’s turn our negative thoughts into positive ones.
- I’m wiser. I learned from my mistakes.
- I can help others avoid the same mistakes.
- I’m ready to encourage those wallowing in self-pity.
- I can kick down the barriers of doubt in myself.
- I can help others see life’s roadblocks.
Senior years are exciting years. God allowed you to live long for a reason; don’t forget that. Moses lived to be 80 before he began to develop his leadership qualities. Caleb set an example by conquering old foes and showing the younger generation how to trust God in his senior years.
Daniel served under three different kings. They finally realized they needed help from someone with experience. John, the disciple, wrote about the future while in exile on a deserted island. Anna was over 100 years old, waiting to see the Messiah.
Our most productive spiritual years are waiting for those willing to trust our ageless God. He hasn’t stopped using any of His children who are willing to walk with Him.
