... even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do no forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Psalm 71:18

As a pastor’s wife of many decades, I’ve noticed a common phenomenon among senior citizens. As we age, we may subscribe to the philosophy, “Been there, done that; it’s time for the young folks to take over.”

But God put a thought in my heart: Abraham and Sarah were 100 and 90 respectively when Isaac was born, and according to Luke, Zechariah and Elizabeth were “well advanced in years” when John was born. I’m not suggesting that octogenarians should look to begin the parental journey again, but I am suggesting that as long as we’re living, we should be serving. That “serving” might look different than in our younger days.

We need to ask God how we can thank him for the work he has for us to do!

Linda Winterhoff
Williamsburg, VA

Lord of all generations, show me ways I can serve you as I age. Amen.

Reflect: Why do you think God chose the elderly to serve him in important ways?

Read: Genesis 18:10-14 and Luke 1:5-17