Thoughts on the century mark

Today I want to a small gathering for and with a lady who turned 100 today. She cannot get out of bed without help, but she can carry on conversations and eat by herself. She is a real treasure knowing that she has served God for close to 80 years. Some close friends and neighbors gathered in her bedroom and we talked and sang and ate cake. She smiled and greeted everyone and it was a blessed time. She is such an encouragement with her Bible always by her bedside.

Some time ago I performed a funeral service for a great man of God who passed away at the age of 102. On his 99th birthday this man rode his 3 wheeled bike around the block for a total of five miles. I remember stories of him carpooling with may dad and they would talk about all the great things God has done and the work that needed to be done at church. He served God for close to 90 years.

These two amazing people remind me that God can and does use people at any time and at any age. At today’s birthday party the people wanted me to pray a blessing over the lady and so I had a chance to truly praise God in public for all he had done through her. The funeral for the 102 year old was a time of great celebration. I know many of his family do not attend church so I could, with great confidence say where this man had gone and also explain how those present could have assurance that they could go to the same place.

Aging is a wonderful thing. In the past people of great age were sought after for their wisdom. The keeper of secrets at the top of the snowy mountain is always pictured as an old man with a long flowing beard. Sadly, out society worships youth and the very old can be cast aside. Yet there is wisdom in the minds and life of the old. Considering that all who are young, if they live that long, will all be old some day. With that in mind we need to treat the old the way we want to be treated when we are old. Considering that a study declared that old age starts at 68, I think many people are going to get old long before they are ready.

So praise God that he works through people of any age. Praise God that there are 100 year old people who still can still tell stories and laugh and be a part of a conversation. Praise God for godly people who are for those who are 100 or older. Praise God.

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