Gray Hairs

 

Well, I’m about to complete my seventy-fifth trip around the sun and I’m looking forward to several more before my ship runs out of steam. I thought I would wax poetic for a moment and then honor those who are far ahead of me in their journey on the road of life. Without parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers and wise tutors of life, we would have certainly had a much harder time getting this far.

When shades of night begin to fall, And shadows lengthen on the wall, My thoughts roll back to days of yore; Like waves that gently lap the shore. The youth I lost, so long ago. Just where it went, I do not know. Too soon, a young man took his place. Then, age replaced that smiling face. The child I raised, from very birth, Has gone to find his place on earth. He, too, will find that time flies by. ‘Tis but a twinkle of God’s eye. I live my memories, o’er and o’er, And wonder if I could have done more. Not one of those days were perfect spent. And yet the next was duly sent. I tried and tried, with all my might, But never did get one right. I’ve lived for many thousand days; A testament to God’s patient ways. And now my memories, good and bad, Remind me of the chance I had, To live my life the way I should; To shun the bad, embrace the good. And yet, I trod the time worn road. I walked alone, with heavy load; Too proud to think that God would care, My many burdens to gladly share. And then, one day, I was wholly spent. So, down from heaven, His Son He sent. Not only did He lift my earthly load, But put me back on the narrow road. So now, my mind is full at ease, No longer tossed like heavy seas. Whatever life, now, has in store, I have a haven on yonder shore. It’s not a prize that I have won, But the gift, from God, of His precious Son.

[Leviticus 19:32] “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.”

From time to time, it is appropriate, and actually commanded by God, that we reflect upon the “specialness” of the older generation. What champions they are. They have been victorious over many ruthless enemies. They have blazed many trails before us that has made life better for us. They have taken the gospel to much of the world. They have built many great congregations. With their generous giving they have financed an innumerable list of tremendous works to the glory of no one but God.

The “gray hairs” encourage us. Many have retired but most of them haven’t stopped being productive citizens of our Lord’s Kingdom. They have a mind for work, a heart for giving, and faces covered with “laugh lines.” Older folk make mole hills out of mountains. They adapt, find solutions, pray fervently, and love to worship. They give us stability, maturity, confidence, wisdom, sound instruction, and direction.

They know a lot more about people than computers. They belong to the generation that delights in simple things: a grandchild’s laugh, a warm pot of coffee shared with friends, all five verses of “Amazing Grace,” our nation’s flag, a hand-made quilt.

With dignity they have weathered many storms, bade farewell to many precious loved ones, seen too many doctors, battled diseases, depression and loneliness.

Older people stand for something. They live on for Christ. They take time to smell the roses. They still say “sir” and “ma’am” and deserve the same from others. Their bodies age but their souls have no wrinkles. They built the fires we warm by, and with God’s help, they’re not done yet. There’s still plenty of fuel in the tank. The sun has not yet set on them.

“Gray hairs” we owe you, big time! Thank you, Lord, for those who are leading the way.