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September 19, 2011

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Thank God I’m Old! … A Devotion for People of Every Age
Dr. Rich Bimler, Past President, Wheat Ridge Ministries

Old is good. Old is Biblical. Old is a blessing, not a burden.

However, that is not what our culture says to us. Our Hallmark card-like society shouts out, “over the hill,” “get rid of those wrinkles,” “hey there, has-been,” and on and on.

Pastor Charlie Mueller, Sr. and I are doing “Thank God I’m Old” presentations around the country. We continue to be amazed, at least as we begin to speak, how uncomfortable quite a few of the over-50 crowd becomes when we define the word “old” as a blessing.

For my 71st birthday in August (it’s the 28th, in case you want to note it!), I received some very funny cards. One that hit me, however, had a photo of an elephant on the cover. When I opened the card, it read, “AGE is IRR-ELEPHANT.”

Funny, perhaps, but certainly not true. Age is very relevant – because the Lord gives us each day and year as a gift, as a blessing to share with others. If you do not believe me, check out the Scriptures. It is full of affirmations and celebrations of God’s people of every age. Isaiah 46:4 says it this way: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He. I am He Who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Note that there is no “expiration date” on this Grace-filled offer!

The good news about all of this is that the Lord sees every age as a blessing. He enables each of us, whether we are 7, 17 or even 71, to “commend His works to every generation” as we tell of His mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4)

Rather than us fretting about the coming of wrinkles and aches and body parts not working, how about reaching out to those around us, of every age, to show and share God’s grace and forgiveness? And while we are caring for others, watch how the Lord allows others to care for us. It is called the Church, the Communion of Saints, the Holy Huddle, made up of people of all ages!

This is something to celebrate every day, as we age grace-fully in the Lord!

Blessings on your Oldness! It is a gift of God. And I’m glad! (Now, if I could only remember where I put my glasses!)

Check out Charlie Mueller, Sr. and Rich Bimler’s website – www.richandcharlieresources.com for more ways to “EncourAGE one another!”