"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the
next
generation, your might to all who are to come."
(Psalm 71:18,
NIV)
Retirement is big business in the United States. If you're not
sure, just watch a little television and count the number of commercials
pertaining to financial planning for your "golden years." Add to that marketing
in the travel and real estate industries and you begin to realize that we are
graying as a nation, and Wall Street and Madison Avenue have taken notice.
One gets the impression, with all this attention, that seniors
are to focus squarely upon themselves, their needs and desires in their
post-working lives. The Psalmist, however, seems to have a different
idea. He sees his graying years as opportunity to bear witness to younger
generations about the wonder of the Creator God who has sustained him. The 71st
Psalm is a tribute to the faithfulness of God that has spanned the seasons of
life.
Planning for retirement is indeed a responsible thing to do, but
there is more than money involved in these preparations. Living and sharing the
blessing of faith with the next generation is the greatest gift you can offer to
others and to the Lord. In whatever season of life you find yourself, make
preparations to share the good news of God's love.
Prayer: God of the ages, past, present, and future, no matter
our stage of life, help us to be faithful witnesses to the wonder of your love.
Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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