Daily Devotional

For previous weeks’ devotionals, please contact Pastor Vince.

Monday, May 14

 “The righteous flourish like the palm tree…they are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Psalm 92:12-15

 Reading a recipe for a decadent dessert is one thing. Making the recipe is quite another. And tasting the end product is a whole other experience. So it is with growing older. One can observe and be advised about mid-life and beyond, perhaps with some vague sense of what it means. We can even possibly have some empathy for those who are “chronologically challenged.” But until one actually enters that life phase, and is a first-hand witness to one’s own personal transformation, it is virtually impossible to truly comprehend the journey, both its blessings and challenges!
 When we are in our prime, growing old is not even on our radar screen. We are immersed in more pressing issues-carving out a career, raising a family, getting ahead, seeing the world. Perhaps our only exposure to the inevitability of aging is a grandparent or elderly relative, and eventually our parents. We may see the external effects-graying hair, wrinkled skin, less energy-but somehow, it doesn’t seem to translate to what lies ahead for us.
 Before we personally march down the road of time, we may feel impatient with an older person driving too slowly, or taking forever to cross an intersection, or make a decision. Unaware of the physical and emotional changes that bring on various behaviors as one ages, we may find the ways of older people amusing as well as frustrating, vowing never to repeat their fashion choices or seemingly peculiar habits.
 And then one day, we are treated dismissively by a younger store clerk, or we experience a sense of being invisible with the opposite sex, or we stoop down to retrieve our shoes, only to have difficulty getting back up! I saw my recent church portrait the other day and thought, “I am too young to look that old!”
 Aging is a trip few of us are eager to take, particularly in a culture which reveres youth and the physical vitality that accompanies it. Regardless of one’s riches, status or power, however, aging is unavoidable. So how can one best navigate the journey and prepare for later life? Let’s explore this over the next few days.
 
Let us pray.
     Lord Jesus, no one likes to grow older, especially me. Give me the gift of growing older gracefully. AMEN.

Tuesday, May 15

 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

 How can we grow older gracefully?
 Make self-development a priority. It seems to me that in later life we settle. Temper the need for stability with your soul’s passion! Keep learning new things throughout life, staying current with technology and world affairs, finding new ways to tap into your innate creativity, forming and sharing opinions, examining your attitudes, and being open to a new perspective. A curious mind makes for an interesting/interested person. Longevity is a chance to grow in unique ways, forge new trails, and enjoy the exhilaration of discovering different roles for oneself, untapped potential, and fresh realities.
 My father has been a great inspiration to me in this regard. He stays mentally and socially engaged, though his body continues to deteriorate. His graceful aging reminds me of what Alice Herz-Sommer, the oldest living Holocaust survivor once said in her 107th year: “Put as much as you can into your head. No one can take that away from you and it can take you into another world.” 
 
Let us pray.
     Lord Jesus, help me to be transformed by the renewal of my mind today. AMEN.

Wednesday, May 16

 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?” I Corinthians 6:19

 What do I wish someone had told me about growing older?
 As I listen to people in my pastoral ministry, I find that one of the regrets people have is that they were not proactive about the future. I can distinctly remember one person saying to me, “I always thought I would work right up to the end and have enough money to see me through.” But gainful employment and wellness is not a given! Prepare for your retirement. Take positive steps to thrive in later life, versus resigning yourself to what life brings as you age.
Really take to heart the long-term effect of choices made in youth. Working or playing in the sun over half a lifetime will have consequences. Needlessly lifting beyond our capacity, over-eating and excessive drinking, lack of exercise, smoking, and other forms of abuse wreak havoc down the road.
In the blush of youth, we cannot conceive of ourselves stooped over, out of shape, and breathlessly shuffling along, but it will happen…especially if we live as though there will be no consequences, without taking care of ourselves for the long haul.
A woman I knew once summarized it this way: “The vessel that carries my spirit is fragile.” 

Let us pray.
     Lord Jesus, help me to be a good steward of the mind, body, and spirit that you have given me today. AMEN.

Thursday, May 17

 “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2

 What do I wish someone had told me about growing older?
 Sometimes, especially in youth, we get caught up in a web of activity. It isn’t until we hit a wall of exhaustion that we pull back and replenish. If we will learn to resist the tendency to be constantly busy and ever productive, we can open ourselves to see the miracles surrounding us, to hear the calming whisper of the Divine, and to feel the incredible privilege of being alive. Before you immerse yourself in yet another whirlwind project or bury yourself in “obligations”, ask yourself, “Is this really important in the overall scheme of things?”
 Can you honestly say that accomplishing the task at hand will be more fulfilling in the long run than replenishing your spiritual cup with the calming fuel of serenity, the gentle touch of your partner, or precious moments spent with a loved one?  
 I knew a woman once who patiently bore several infirmities. She said something powerful to me one day. “Your days aren’t worthless just because you’re idle.”
 I think a lot of us who are addicted to activity would be challenged by her words-and her peace.

Let us pray.
     Lord Jesus, remind me today that I am more than the activity that swirls around me. I am your child, a brother and sister to all whom I encounter today. AMEN. 
     
Friday, May 18

 “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2

 What do I wish someone had told me about growing older?
 Nurture relationships. Later in life is never too late to reach out and appreciate people, being mindful of listening to (not just hearing) their words with an open heart and paying attention to what’s going on in their lives.
 Practice being “other focused,” helpful, and active as long as you are blessed with the ability to do so, making time to be with those you love, before they are gone. And above all, nourish your relationship with the Source of creation, asking for direction/resilience/awareness, acknowledging blessings, and praising the gift of being.
 Remember that youth is a gift of nature, but age is a work of art.

Let us pray.
     Lord Jesus, help me to use this day wisely. AMEN.