How can old, worn-out people reveal God’s mighty power to the next generation?
When folks my age are asked how they are doing, I often hear someone say, “I’m alive and breathing. That’s better than the alternative.” Maybe so, if they’re headed to Hell, but otherwise? The older we get, the closer we are to indescribable glory. In the meantime, what do we do with the inevitable aches and pains? Maybe there is a better alternative to merely being alive and breathing. I mean … right now … before we leave for Heaven.
Enjoy Your Second Childhood.
MI happen to have the luxury of remembering when I learned to walk, seeing my aunt reach out to me as I proved what a big boy I was. It was a miracle. I didn’t have to crawl all the time. I remember Mother sitting me on the kitchen counter, putting on my little shoes and getting me ready for church because I couldn’t yet dress myself. In kindergarten, I was thrilled when I proudly announced to my dad, “I know how to tie my shoes.”
Growing up, if we were smart, we weren’t bothered by what we couldn’t do. We were thrilled over what we could do.
Now, we no longer can do all the things we used to do. I’m not wearing a diaper yet, but it could happen. I can still do a lot more than what I could in my early years, back when I was a toddler.
I choose not to complain, because I still have plenty of reasons to be thankful.
Count Your Blessings.
Years ago in church, I learned to sing, “Count your blessings. Name them one by one.” I don’t hear those words anymore, so I have to sing that solo at home. Smiling through excruciating pain can be tough. I get that. Been there. Done that. But when it’s unavoidable, it’s still an opportunity to move closer to God and draw upon his strength. Really? Is that possible? Yes, if we choose to.
Let’s see. What blessings can I count? At this moment, I have prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that puts me among almost twenty million Americans who will receive chemotherapy this year. Where’s the blessing? This has been a wonderful opportunity to share my hope in Christ with countless patients, orderlies, nurses, and doctors—and also many strangers in the waiting room.
If I hadn’t already learned to count my blessings, none of that would happen.
Trash the Wish List and Create a Thankful List
Coveting what others have but we don’t have will kill our souls. I think that’s why God said, “Don’t do it.” How easily I could say, “If only I had done this …” or “If only had that …” or “If only I could still go to …” Entertaining such thoughts leaves me miserable, which would be silly on my part, because it doesn’t have to be that way. I’d rather give myself joy than make myself miserable.
If I’m stuck at home, without the freedom to go where I would like and enjoy the pleasures I once had, what can I do that gives my life value?
Find a Way to Help Somebody.
Helping people is easier than you might think. The little things matter. If somebody visits, I have a chance to smile and see them smile in return. If people don’t visit, I have a phone and can call somebody and encourage them. When names and faces come to mind, I can pray for them. I can find an encouraging Bible verse and share a thought with someone, either by email or by phone.
The opportunities to help others are endless—but only if we’re looking for them.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And when we find ways to be active in God’s will to help others, we are most valuable in his sight.
Now that I am old and my hair is gray, don’t abandon me like something obsolete. Let me reveal your mighty power to the next generation. Your righteousness, God, is sky-high. The great things you have done are unequaled anywhere. You led me through many fearful, painful times and saved me from death to make my life meaningful and rewarding. And you’re not finished yet, for you will continue to comfort me and make me better. — Psalm 71:18–21 The Discussion Bible
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