“Getting old isn’t for sissies.” – Bette Davis
Of course, this is true, and Bette Davis said it well. I am thankful every day that God has not only called me to be strong and courageous, but has given me His Spirit to make that a reality in my life. These last few weeks have been a powerful reminder that getting old presents itself with some significant challenges. Getting older is not a ride down easy street.
ALL LIFE STAGES ARE HARD
It might be easy for younger people to look at folks who are retired and think they have it made, but clearly that is not the case. However,
A Happy Old Guy
I am not so sure that getting older is much different than any other stage of life. Being a child, even in the best of circumstances, is difficult. As children we are often denied what we want and seldom understand why our parents, who say they love us, would withhold a second piece of cake or a toy we just saw at the store. School is difficult. Not necessarily the academics (although for some that is a significant challenge), but trying to navigate the social world of junior high and high school is the source of a lot of anxiety. When I was in high school I thought the popular kids had it made and got to coast through the hallways without a care. But over the years I have talked with a lot of kids who were popular and, not surprisingly, they have their own set of anxieties and fears. After high school? Dating, marriage, raising kids, finding a job or career (which you can tolerate); none of that is for the faint of heart. It seems to me that life is hard.
Making bad decisions can make life harder than it needs to be. This is one of the reasons I love serious Bible study. A decision to understand and live by God’s commandments doesn’t make life easy, but it provides guidance, so it isn’t harder than it needs to be.
FOLLOWING JESUS HELPS
The Bible not only gives some great advice on how to live well, but it also provides a transcendent perspective that reframes our difficulties so that they are not overwhelming. For example, the Bible teaches that God is sovereign, and NOTHING is a surprise to Him. So, when the final chapter of history is written it will work out for His glory (Romans 8:28). The Bible also teaches that God is always with us in our difficulties and, because of that, we do not need to fear (Isaiah 41:10).
In addition to providing guidance on how to live well and a transcendent perspective, being a follower of Jesus also provides the opportunity for a community with likeminded people. I know that Christian community can be difficult, and these communities can go sideways. However, I am so aware that having a Christian community has always been an essential part of my life. When we were in high school, the church youth group was the place where we made the best friends and found good mentors. When we were overseas in the US Navy, the community provided by Cadence International saved our lives with sacrificial love and support. In every chapter of our lives we have been supported and loved by a Christian community. As we get older and begin the final chapters of our lives, I cannot imagine doing it without the love of other believers.
DIFFICULT DAYS REQUIRE DEPENDENCE ON GOD
These are difficult days for us. We are navigating cancer, broken ribs, and adult children (I really thought I would be done when they were age 18 or 21, but it turns out you worry about your kids long after they have left home and are grown adults). For us, these days require courage and a dependence on the LORD. But I don’t know that this is more difficult than when we navigated deployments in the Navy, poverty when we had two children and were in Bible School, or the many challenges of raising children and living overseas. This isn’t profound, it is taught by every major religion and philosophy. Life is hard.
Life is hard, but the difficulties can be mitigated through a robust faith in God, good decisions, and good relationships within a faith community. As Debbie and I are navigating the difficulties that come with growing older, we are so thankful for our faith in Jesus and for close friends who share our faith.
I pray that today you are doing the work to deepen your faith in the LORD so His transcendent perspective is a reality in your life. I pray that you are seeking to understand His commandments and are committed to submitting your life to His rules. And finally, I pray that you are enjoying the sweet fellowship of a Christian community.
