Good "OLD" Me

O God, thou hast taught me from
my youth: and hitherto have I
declared thy wondrous works.
Now also when I am old and gray headed,
O God, forsake me not; until I have
shewed thy strength unto this
generation, and thy power to
every one that is to come.
Psalm 71:17,18

It was a most unusual Mother's Day this last May. We were fairly new to our church and hadn't spent a Mother's Day or Father's Day there. Different churches do all sorts of things for special holidays so we just enjoy the sermons or congratulations however they are expressed.

At that time, I was the organist of our church. On that special day, Mothers were recognized and appreciation expressed. Something different was done I hadn't seen anywhere before. The pastor asked all mothers age 75 and over to stand. There was a gift for each one. I sat on the organ bench smiling and clapping with everyone else for the two mothers who were present. A former pastor was sitting on the front row close to the organ and he kept making motions toward me and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out the reason for his seemingly trying to signal me. He knew I qualified to be one of those mothers, but to be honest, the whole thing just flew over my head.

I've sat through Mother's Day Sunday mornings for years. I've seen mothers recognized who are the youngest, newest, most kids and oldest. I've never been any of them so have pretty much tuned it all off. This Mother's Day was no different, I thought. As we went into the next congregational song and I was busy playing the organ, it suddenly dawned on me and knew why the friend on the front row was going crazy motioning to me. I said to myself, “Glendarae, you dummy...you're 79 years old.” Generally in such a service only the oldest mother is recognized so again I tuned it all out. There were several in the congregation who knew my age and they probably thought I had lost my mind.

Never in my life have I struggled with age. I recall my sister Kay calling me the day before her 30^th birthday. She was a little taken back by the fact that in a few hours, her age would have a 3 in place of the 2 in her age. She saw it as an end to her younger days with a whole new era beginning. I've had others speak of such things to me, but age changes have never been an issue for me...UNTIL NOW!.

In less than 24 hours, I will arrive at the grand age of 80. I can't believe it. My body is 80 but inside, I feel more like I'm 50. I'm just as active now as in the past and am in good health with some of the usual aches and pains that I guess are to be expected. When I have to talk to new people on the phone, they act like they are talking to someone younger. I'm told I don't have the usual 80 year old voice, but of course, I use it a lot, especially in teaching, which accounts for that. I ramble around in my mind about where I am right now, and how much more I would like to accomplish
.

This is not meant to be a pity party with only me invited. I hate things like that. We all must take steps to the reality of how God wants to use us no matter our age. No matter the age, God still wants us in the very center of His will, serving Him faithfully. I grow weary with ladies I have known who reach their latter 50's or early 60's who have faithfully served in church capacities, but who decide it's time to quit and let the younger folks do things. When that happens, out the window goes a world of wisdom and experience that even the youngest in a church can benefit from.

The first part of Psalm 13:15 says: “My times are in thy hand...” David was praying for God's protection in saying that, but in reality, our times do not belong to us. God determines our times...our coming and goings. I tell ladies and believe with all my heart that God has purpose in each of our lives and especially in mine. When those purposes are fulfilled, He'll call us home. So at this point, my age can't really be an issue. I'm to do right now all I was expected to do in my young, middle and older years. In it all, we are bathed in God's promises, such as Isaiah 46:4, that tells us:

And even to your old age I am He; and
even to hoary (gray) hairs will I carry you:
I have made, and I will bear; even I
will carry, and will deliver you.

Also remember:

But as it it is written, Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,
neither have entered into
the heart of man,
the things which God hath prepared for
them that love Him.
I Corinthians 2:9

Wow...I might make 100!!

Thank You Father that we are in Your complete protection and care no matter what ages we happen to be right now. Keep us serving, for we have so much to share with those who are younger. Direct our thoughts that we will be wise and loving with all You put in our paths. We love You and thank You for Your goodness to us no matter the day or year. In Jesus name...Amen