“Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. That’s why we don’t lose heart.” 2Cor4:16.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26.
“I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Isa.46:4.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the friends you’ve woven into my heart and story. The thought of growing older without good friends has never been less attractive—even scary and dangerous. I see way too many older, lonely, people walking around either addicted to not appearing to age, or stooped over, shuffling along having given up on life.
Both of these represent poor stewardship of the inevitable: Our bodies wear out as we live and love towards the Day of all things new. Unwillingness to accept this is vain and expensive; assuming it means the end of quality of life is absurd and rejection of the riches of grace.
All that to say, thank you for friends who have come to terms with aging, are seeking to live healthy lives, and have never been more committed to Gospel-renewal of heart and spirit. Indeed, it is a gift to have friends who don’t view gray hair and wrinkles as a death sentence, but an opportunity to boast (not bemoan) in our weaknesses, get to know you better, and serve others.
Jesus, why does it take so long to learn that life was never about ownership but stewardship, never about staying young but loving well, never about a fountain of youth but rivers of grace? So Very Amen.