“Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.”  Psalm 71:9

“So we do not lose heart.  Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.”  2 Corinthians 4:16

Psalm 139 … [God formed our inward parts and knit us together in our mother’s womb.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made.]  With wonder we watch children grow and develop … sit, crawl, stand, walk;  echo words, memorize abcs and prayers; READ!  Teenagers mature (eventually) and think with excitement about future possibilities. 

Natural life processes but then ….   … Natural life processes evolve into … aging.  It’s easy to feel grateful for each new day when we begin each day feeling good.  But many wake up knowing the day will be filled with pain, physical or emotional.  We feel less “wonderfully made”, just “fearfully”.  Conversation trends toward what’s going wrong, rather than what is still going right.  We want to live a long life without growing old. We challenge our brains with puzzles and games.  We try to better care for our bodies by eating healthy foods and exercising.  But good habits will not stop time.  We are still growing older. 

Life is a journey.  We are warned of rocky roads, even possible washouts ahead.  Aggravated, sometimes angrily navigating detours from our planned route, we do not wander aimlessly.  God is reading the signs and will lead us to the end.  We may finish weary and travel worn.  Some will arrive “too early”.  They will never experience old age, dying young from accidents or disease.   Acknowledging our mortality with all its unpleasantries, our spirits can find peace that comes with accepting God’s mercy and grace.  New life emerges from winter slumber and the cold.  And we know Easter joy, God’s promise of a new life to come that is with us every day.   

Holy Spirit, We give thanks for each new day as we thrill and delight in creation, and find joy with the presence and memories of family and friends.  Revive our spirits and grant us peace, trusting in your promise to be with us.  Grant courage and strength and needed rest to caregivers who love and tend to those in need of comfort.  Amen  

Verla Olson

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party