5/20/2026
"For the ignorant, old age is like winter;
for the wise, it is a harvest."
Almost daily I either hear or read a derogatory remark about older people, as if we are of lesser value, social standing, or mental and physical capability than those younger than ourselves. Personally I have never given into the "age delineation," because I have always had a childlike mind and am drawn to the wonder of life and God's creation. I am not affected nor influenced by how another responds to life and living it. I simply am myself, so I function as myself focusing on what I am doing rather than on what someone may say or think I cannot do because of age. I spent far too many younger years being told what I could not do to be ensnared once more in that debilitating and egregious lie! Therefore, I encourage my fellow aging friends to focus on what scripture has to say about things, rather than man's opinion. One has only to consult the daily news to see that is a true statement. This is a year of harvest! More directly a year of spiritual harvest, as we are beginning to see what we have been praying for is certainly coming to pass.
I must admit that I speak to the Lord way too many times about the remaining days of my life on this earth. I wonder if I should return to work, because so many people don't want to work if they can get paid to stay at home on welfare. But, this error in reporting is soon to be extinguished, as many able-bodied younger people are being evaluated to see if their claims to assistance are legitimate. Besides working and earning a wage and livelihood based on hard work and sweat is honorable and rewarding. Many of the available openings are in the field of social work or related case management positions, so I am perfectly suited and qualified. Recently I noticed that the new dental complex close to me were hiring, and I thought "I can do that!" After all I am a affable person with good customer skills, but I figured the owners would prefer a much younger person with a whiter smile. I figured that although I am quite computer literate and used to problem-solving, I'd much prefer a less public job anyway. But many older people are returning to work, because they aren't suited for retirement, only working hard, making a difference, or at least striving to do so wholeheartedly.
When Paul the Apostle was writing to Titus about setting up the church in Crete he said, "But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine; that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things - that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." (Titus 2:1-5) In other words, older men and women were valuable as they had lived their lives well, using the gifts and callings of God, and they had faced and overcome difficulties or challenges in their lives that younger people would encounter. They could benefit the younger men and women with their life knowledge and learned skills. Even younger children learn from older adults, grandparent models, whether they have one parent or two, extended families where each person is a vital part of the child's life. The need in the foster care system is extensive, and that's why I am so excited to see our First Lady Melania Trump's program to assist these foster care children in growing up in a caring, loving environment, receiving the proper education and support to be able to succeed in life.
When I read reports about things going on in the nation, people going astray, uncertainty about one's identity, the shortage of teachers in the public school system, illiteracy in high school graduates, and a whole plethora of problems, it makes me want to sign up to help save the world. I think back over the lessons I've learned and the experiences I've gleaned in all these years of life, and I wonder if I have anything to offer someone, somewhere. My mind begins to explode with ideas, and my heart hope again. Is there anyone who needs anything I can offer. If so, here I am, Lord, send me! This is the echo of my heart's cry!
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