Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Pass It On

When I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation. (Psalm 71:18)

Getting older doesn't mean becoming obsolete. It can mean growing, maturing, serving, venturing, enjoying ourselves to the end of our days. "Old men ought to be explorers," T.S. Eliot said.
  • One of my friends says, "Have a blast while you last."

To idle away our last years is to rob ourselves of what could be the best years of our lives and to deprive the church of gifts God has given to enrich it. There is still service to be rendered and there are victories to be won.

Some older folks may not have the energy or inclination for leadership, but they are an invaluable asset to the next generation of leaders. John Wesley was asked what he would do if he knew he had only a short time to live. He responded, "I should meet with my young men till the moment came that I was called to yield my spirit back to Him that gave it."

The psalmist also desired to pass along his understanding of the Lord to others, and he prayed, "When I am old and grayheaded, O God , do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation" Psalm 71:18)

We too should remain open to being used by God to enrich others' lives. Our greatest usefulness may be to pass our understanding of God on to others. -- David Roper.

The longer we live, the more that we know,
Old age is the time for wisdom to show;
Who knows how much good some word we might say
Could do for the leaders of some future day. -- Henry Bosch

To forget the elderly is to ignore the wisdom of the years.



Blessings, Mimi


images courtesy of all posters

12 comments:

Rose of Sharon said...

Wow.....this is just what I needed to hear today! Thank you so much.

I just tagged you for a meme I think you might enjoy. Come to my blog to check it out and I hope you will play!

Blessings! Sharon

Karen H. said...

Good Afternoon Mimi,
I loved this post. It's so true. Just because we are getting older doesn't mean we have to stop doing GOD'S work. I am still going to be online. "PRAISE GOD" I was able to pay the Cable & Internet Bill late yesterday afternoon. "THANK YOU" for all of the prayers you said for us. I appreciate it very much. We should never forget about our elder's either. They are the ones we learn from. "THANK YOU" for sharing this with us. I really enjoyed it. Take care my friend and have a great day. May God Bless You and Yours.

Love & Hugs,
Karen H.

Unknown said...

A wonderful post today Mimi! It breaks my heart to see older folks neglected or over looked. My husband and I have tried to instill it into our boys to be good listeners to their Grandparents (and other elders) stories and illustrations.

Oh by the way, in response to your sweet comment left on my latest post, Y$S I am perfect most of the time!! LOL *winks*

Cathy said...

Thanks for that post, Mimi, I really did like it.

nannykim said...

Great post--loved the quote by TS Eliot. I have a dear friend, who moved away. She is in her 80's and has been such an example in the ways you have discribed!! Even now she goes into prisons and has Bible studies. When she was in her 70's she would travel to India to visit and teach at a mission there. ANd this was with a painful back and knees. She is one example of God's great glory to me!!

Bob's Blog said...

Thanks for the encouragement.

Unknown said...

Really great message. To be open to God at any age. Good Post, thanks.

Saija said...

and i am glad for the maturing & hard learned lessons over the years ... sure wish that i understand & had this knowledge back in my twenties ... but don't we all wish that!

blessings on YOU!

SweetAnnee said...

I am listening!!
thank you so Mimi!!
deena

Brit. (lille meg) said...

Thank you for visiting my blog!
I am so surprised by all who visit my site.
i like to visit other bloggers too.
I like your blog, and I will soon come back for a new visit.

Beverly said...

So true, dear Mimi. I am so thankful for all the titus 2 women in my life -- of which you are one. God bless you!

Dawn said...

Good advice as I approach retirement!

Thanks so much for keeping up with our twin saga!