"Growing old is not a disease, it is a triumph." - Unknown

We are to live in the present or for some, perhaps not, but, I remind us of this truth: that to wake up and live another day is a present from the Lord, therefore, I advise us all to rise and shine and give God the glory on this Tuesday, March 10, 2026. A saying that I have heard most of my adult life is how that getting old is not for the faint of heart. There was a time when I laughed out loud at even the prospect of that statement. Fast forward to today where faint of heart might just be an understatement and to mention fainting at all could very well describe the experience of those of us who are in that 'old' category. That concept of how old age is very challenging and the idea about it not being for the run of the mill type person, well, the experts see the origin to be connected to a statement made by Bette Davis, the actress, who was quoted as having said this, "Old age is not for sissies." This is a guess because the sentiment has been illustrated in many ways over time, therefore, there isn't a identifiable origin. The Bible has much to say about the aging process and it mostly reflects the legacy of a long life of one who recognizes and serves God. “Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever” (Deuteronomy 34:7 NLT) ~ “With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:16 NIV) ~ “Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father… Treat older women as you would your mother” (1 Timothy 5:1-2 NLT) ~ “Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old” (Job 12:12 NLT) ~ Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NIV) ~ "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness." Proverbs 16:31 ~ “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:32 ~ The most important thing about our life, short or long, is how we live and whether we know and serve God, or not. 

 

I know, by experience, that older age can come with agonizing finishes. I have been there and seen that several times, up close and personal. If you hang around long enough you will likely see this played out in the lives of those you love and perhaps even in your own life. Why does it often happen this way? That my friend is in the purview of God Almighty. No. That's not a cop out. For believers, it is where we reflect on this promise, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 KJV ~ All here means just that, all, without exception. And, the way the Greek is structured it emphasizes that it is God who causes all things to be for the good of those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose. The naysayers can call that a cop out and I can see where unbelievers would do that, however, for me, I've seen it time and time again as it becomes the extension of an individual's faith as they deal with tragedy or seemingly hopeless situations. When in doubt, trust the Creator of all things. The older I get it is the more I get it. Trust in Him. The sooner the better. Right? Yep. It is my advice for being able to deal with the many challenges faced in this life. Got it? I pray so. Remember. The sooner the better. Amen.