What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31

God’s sense of humor was on overdrive. Hours after slitting open an invitation to the “Half-Century Club” college reunion, an email announced the theme of this devotional booklet: God is making all things new. Old and new together. Once again, God’s timing is incredible. Yet, isn’t that an accurate snapshot of these years? I get out of a chair stiffly but dash to hug waiting grandchildren. I wake slowly but zip to the coffee maker. Old and new mesh in unlikely combinations as we grow older. Romans 8:31 offers an optimistic lens through which we examine these years. St. Paul encourages us to focus ahead. Imagine the new pathways God is preparing! God offers fresh beginnings, even after all these years. He knows we are not finished loving, learning, and serving. After all, God’s timing is always right; old and new are still a matched pair.

Mary Manz Simon
Fort Myers, FL

Dear Lord, give me the patience to accept the unexpected contrasts of old and new as I age. Amen.

Reflect: When will the next contrast of old and new emerge in your life?

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-5 and Acts 3:19-21