Deuteronomy 8:11: "Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day."

Hello and welcome. We here, or at least our household, are thanking God for the rain this morning on this Tuesday, August 19, 2025. I am fully aware that a shower here may mean something not needed elsewhere, but, we do need it here and we are thankful for it. Amen. I used to say things like I'm sure the water people in our neighborhood are happy we are able to give the meter some rest, but, since that may have reflected in a sarcastic manner of the one pouring out water almost on a day and night basis, well, it seems best not to mention the lady of the house in that particular context. Right? I thought you would agree. The photo above is from some 19 years ago. That would be yours truly pulling the wagon and the fellow in the tiny lawn chair is none other than our grandson, Alexander Benjamin or Alex as he is referred to these days. Alex has had some challenges in his sojourn thus far with autism and other health related issues, but, he was able to finish high school this past summer and is now enrolled in a local community college. We thank God for his provision in Alex's life to get him to this point. Alex will be 20 next month and perhaps we could retake that photo with him pulling the wagon and me sitting in the chair. That would be a hoot. Time has made a change and it doesn't slow down. For no one. We have our youngest grandson, Brady Darrell who is currently in Navy boot camp. I will have much more to say about him in a future blog. My point? I've earned these wrinkles. I find myself reminding more and more people about aging and how they are referred to in the closing words that Solomon shared in his summation from Ecclesiastes Chapter 12: Verses 1-7 from the New Living Translation:

 

"Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly. Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint. Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral. Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it."

 

Growing old is quite natural if you live long enough. Duh! It sounds simple but the message has to do with recognizing and responding to God before you get so old your faculties fail. That's a good reminder for me, at 79 years and counting, (not including the 9 months I spent living in my mom's tummy). And, it is a good reminder to everyone at an age where they can understand. (See Nehemiah chapter 8 where the crowd hearing the message is defined.) The younger the better and we all know most kids mature on different schedules. The younger the better, the sooner the better, and, even at an older age, get this truth: It's not too late to seek and find the Lord. If you are away from Him, come home. He awaits your return. (See the account of the prodigal son, Luke Chapter 15.) Okay. That's enough homework for us all. Have a blessed rest of the day and may God add His blessings. Amen.