Growing Old

     There was a birthday celebration at church last Sunday.  Betty turned ninety.  She had visiting family in church with her and a cake on the table.  And a lovely cake it was!

Isn't it odd that we celebrate birthdays as children and teens, and as seniors, but in the middle-years we are loathe to admit our age? Why are we ashamed of the advance of time after age thirty but embrace it with joy when we are truly old?  Perhaps we've learned wisdom?  That is purported to be a benefit of old age, although I once saw a sign that read "wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone."  

The Bible has some encouraging advice on growing older.  In Ps. 92:12-15, declares that those who walk with God will still bear fruit in old age.  Job 12:12 asserts that "old men have wisdom."  Proverbs  16:31 assures us that "grey hair is a glorious crown."

God designed us to live fully and in His company at all stages of our lives and then, when the earthly body is worn out, to be with Him in glory.  Is. 46:4, 2 Timothy 4: 7-8

Happy birthday, Betty.  May your light continue to shine.  And to all those in the middle years, remember that grey hair is the splendour of the old. Proverbs 20:29