Mark
Twain once said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it
doesn’t matter.” Often as we grow older, we think we have lived the best of our
lives. But the secret of staying young and full of vitality is to recognize our
best is yet to come. Instead of sitting around talking about the “good ‘ol’
days,” we must look for fresh opportunities for God to use us.
Psalm
92:14 says, “They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and
green.” Isaiah 40:31 tells us when we put our hope in the Lord, He renews our
strength; He gives us more energy and makes us vibrant and alive. Psalm 103:5
says, God “He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Remember, God wants to bless you,
renew you and satisfy you with long life. Seek His ways and put your faith,
hope and trust in Him and let Him renew every part of your life!
When
I asked Jerry what advice he has for senior citizens, he said, “Find a purpose
in your life and then get busy serving. In some way, give back to the
community.” I could not agree more with Jerry.
This
is what my friend Ron Paul is doing. Ron is a Vietnam veteran. He was exposed
to Agent Orange – a chemical that was spread over the dense jungles of Vietnam
in the intent to clear the ground. The chemical was so powerful that within
days, the trees lost all their leaves, standing bare naked, clearing the ground
so the soldiers could see where the Viet -Conges were hiding. Our veterans were
told Agent Orange was safe but it had not been tested properly. Consequently,
thousands of soldiers came back home to suffer horrible pain caused by a
damaged nerve system. Ron told me some days the pain is so excruciating; he can
hardly get up from bed! Twenty- five years ago, I met Ron in Hong Kong. But to
this day, I have yet to hear a complaint come out of his mouth. On the contrary,
he has always been funny and encouraging, and he is often helping others. Even
when he describes his pain, he is careful not to blame the government or
criticize the military. He has an attitude of gratitude. To top it off, Ron
spends most of his days volunteering in his church, writing notes to
missionaries and supporting ministries such as ours. Ron might have received
some lemons in his life, but he has turned lemons into lemonade. So can you!
Do
not focus on who did you wrong or how hard life has been for you. Instead, like
Ron, talk about the great things you have experienced in life. Play with your
kids. Be fun and witty to be around. Share your experience and knowledge with
someone so they can learn from your mistakes without paying the price you paid
to learn. Be a mentor.
This
is what my father does. My Dad is eighty-one years old but he is always
surrounded by young people. He lived a tough life. My mother died when Dad was
in his twenties. We were four brothers. Knowing that he would not be able to
care for us without mom, he took us to a Christian orphanage. He was allowed to
visit us only a couple of times a year, but he came to visit every chance he
could.
As
I grew older, I went on to college and left the country to do missions work
around the world. My Dad and I lost touch. Dad never harbored bitterness or
resentment toward anybody. After sixteen years, I went in search of my Dad. I
found him amongst the billion people in India, travelling on a train. What a
reunion that was! I picked him up and announced to the packed train,
“Attention, people! This is my Dad. I’m meeting him after sixteen years!” The
whole compartment erupted in joy, clapping their hands. Dad and I both had
tears in our eyes.
What
is great about my Dad is he can always be found surrounded by young people. He
listens to them, encourages them, and prays for them, and counsels them. He has
never been a public figure. But he has been a mentor to hundreds of young
people who have impacted millions. No matter how old you are, you can impact
others too. Start now.
Do
you have an unreconciled relationship with your loved one? Be like my Dad. Do
not get discouraged and bitter. Do your best to keep a good attitude. You are
not worthless because you made some mistakes or someone left you. Society may
call you “old” but in the eyes of God, you’re “gold!” You still have more in
your future than all the failure in your past. Never let failures define you.
They are simply reminders not to walk that road again.
Isaiah
the Prophet reminds us, “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over
old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s
bursting out! Don’t you see it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19, The Message) I am here to
declare over you that your best days are right ahead of you. At age
eighty-five, Caleb claimed his mountain.
What do you believe God for in your life right now?
Friend,
do not live the rest of your life recalling regrets. Talk about your
victories. Share how you overcame life’s
battles. Tell a struggling generation, that life is not perfect, but they are
going to make it. Get busy serving somewhere. Be a person of inspiration. Be
someone people can look up to and respect.
Long
ago, a mentor told me, “Great it is to dream the dream when you stand in youth
by the starry stream... but a greater thing is to fight life through, and say
in the end, the dream is true.” Friend, dreams have no expiration date. You may
start late, but you can finish strong!
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