Young

The Young family has a family crest, a copy of which is on our fridge as a fridge magnet.

I thought I had read that our motto was “Forever Young” but when I googled it, I found the following: “Young Clan Motto: Robore Prudentia Praestat (Prudence excels strength).”

We often joke that we will always be Young. However, we can’t escape the fact that both my husband and I are in our seventies.

It was therefore with great delight that I read the following from Psalms this morning.

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
    they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
¹³ planted in the house of the Lord,
    they will flourish in the courts of our God.
¹⁴ They will still bear fruit in old age,
    they will stay fresh and green,
¹⁵ proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
    he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”(Psalm 92:12-15 NIV)

Of course, there is a proviso to still bearing fruit in old age. We need to be righteous. Fortunately for us, by God’s amazing gift, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,” (Romans 3:22 NIV)

I like the idea of staying fresh and green. It is almost like being forever young.

My Prayer

Thank You, Father, that there is no age limit to being able to bear fruit for Your Kingdom. Nobody is too old and nobody is too young. Holy Spirit of Jesus, please work in me so that I may bear fruit to God’s glory. I want to abide in Christ and be fresh and green. Amen.

Quiet and Peace

We are now in Nottingham Rd in a caravan park called Glenschillen. It is an oasis of tranquility. We have a site overlooking the dam.

   The Bible says, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.“‘ (Isaiah 31:15 NIV)

On Wednesday, soon after we arrived, we wandered down to the common area, where there are tables and chairs, a pool table and various other amenities for general use. We came across three elderly gentlemen who were having their weekly Bible study and discussion. My husband mentioned that we are members of the Gideons.

Yesterday the oldest of the three, David, who happens to be a co-owner of this place, sought us out. We had a long chat with him. He told us of some miracles in his life and how God has always been faithful, even though he’s had many struggles in his life, including the death of his first wife after three months of marriage.

David is ninety-five and he ended our chat with these words, “The waters are calm, my compass is true. I trust my Captain and I know where my ship is heading.”

I believe the Lord arranged this meeting to bless us and as an illustration a life based on quietness and trust.

My Prayer

Thank You, Lord for this place of quiet and rest. Being here is almost like a retreat. Thank you for enabling us to meet Your servant, David. Please continue to bless him and his family.

A Note to myself at 80

Dear Jenny,

Well, first of all, congratulations on making 80! How do you feel?

Les and I often talked about how we would be when we were as old as our mothers. I am assuming Mom is dead now. I hope you appreciated her while she was still alive and learned from her positive attitude.

I hope you are still writing and enjoying photography (or aren’t the eyes good enough anymore?)

A couple of pointers from my perspective.

1. Doctors know more about medicine than you do, although I grant you that you know your body’s quirks better.
2. People prefer to be around positive people than negative ones.
3. Don’t neglect your friends.
4. Don’t neglect your relationship with God. Now is the time in your life when you do have time.
5. If possible, keep abreast of Technology. Ask the children and grandchildren for help.
6. Be grateful. Count your blessings every day.

Please remember me with affection. I made the best decisions I could at the time.

Your Precursor,

Jenny at 63.

Grey Hair

The Day said,

“It is now 6pm, My life is nearly over. My best hours are gone and my energy fades. My light is feeble. No longer can I power a photocell. No longer can I heat water. I am no longer of any use. Nobody can read by my light. I am old and tired and useless to God and Man. My past has polluted my air – the dust of the hours gone. There are clouds too – memories of the tears I have cried.

And God said,

“You are the day that I have made. People rejoice and are glad in you. Did you give light in the womb before the dawn of your birth? Stop feeling sorry for yourself!  You are entering a new stage of your life. It is part of My plan. The dust and the clouds which are causing you pain will demonstrate My glory. Now is the time when families gather together for a meal and share love. Now is the time for romantic walks, for cozy fires, for cappuccinos. Soon it will be time for rest.

You are eternal. You will always exist. The things that happened in your life -in the dark hours as well as in the light ones – will be forever in history and cannot be undone.

Meanwhile, enjoy the stage you are at. It is called Sunset!

Listen to me,…..You whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Is46:4 NIV)

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. (Prov 16:31 NLT)

Prayer   Father, forgive me when I feel sorry for myself because I can no longer do the things I used to be able to. Please help me to trust you in this stage of life, to show your glory and to share your love. Amen.