For Those Who Are Aging—Some Encouragements from God
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. —3 John 2
On 2/20/22, I celebrated my 10th birthday for the 8th time! After my 80th birthday) I still don't feel old. But I do feel challenged—to overcome health, mobility, energy, and other obstacles—as well as setting new goals
C. S. Lewis observed: "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
It's not true that old people are not flexible.—They got old because they ARE flexible. I try to remember the wise advice for successful living. Adapting (learning to flex in new ways) is key to dreaming, flexing, recovering, and rebuilding! The person who refuses to flex will usually be bent out of shape."
In the lines below are a few quotes and suggestions for successfully navigating life's aging challenges —both opportunities and hurdles:
O, Mr. Tentmaker
O, Mr. Tentmaker It was nice living in this tent when it was strong and secure and the sun was shining and the air warm.
But Mr. Tentmaker, it's scary now. You see, my tent is acting like it is not going to hold together; the poles seem weak and they shift with the wind. A couple of stakes have wiggled loose from the sand; and worst of all, the canvas has a rip. It no longer protects me from beating rain or stinging flies. It's scary in here, Mr. Tentmaker.
Last week I went to the repair shop and some repairman tried to patch the rip in my canvas. It didn't help much, though, because the patch pulled away from the edges and now the tear is worse.
What troubled me most, Mr. Tentmaker, is that the repairman didn't seem to notice I was still in the tent; he just worked on the canvas while I shivered inside. I cried out once, but no one heard me.
I guess my first real question is: Why did you give me such a flimsy tent? I can see by looking around the campground that some other tents are much stronger and more stable than mine. Why, Mr. Tentmaker, did you pick a tent of such poor quality for me? And even more important, what do you intend to do about it?
O little tent dweller, as the Creator and Provider of tents, I know all about you and your tent, and I love you both. I made a tent for Myself once, and lived in it in your campground. My tent was vulnerable, too, and some vicious attackers ripped it to pieces while I was still in It … on a cross.
It was a terrible experience, but you will be glad to know they couldn't hurt me. In fact, the whole experience was a tremendous advantage because it is this very victory over my enemy that frees me to be a present help to you.
O little tent dweller, I am now prepared to come and live in your tent with you, if you'll invite me. You'll learn as we dwell together that real security comes from My being in your tent with you. When the storms come, you can huddle in my arms and I'll hold you.
When the canvas rips, we'll go to the repair shop together. Someday, little tent dweller, your tent is going to collapse. You see, I've designed it only for temporary use. But when it does you and I are going to leave together. I promise not to leave before you do. And then, free of all that would hinder or restrict, we will move to our permanent home and together, forever, we will rejoice and be glad.—Author unknown
"Live every day as if it's your last. And some day, you'll be right!"—Muhammad Ali
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.—John 3:16-18
All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.—John 6:37 NIV
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."—Matthew 11:27, 28
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.—John 14:1-3
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.—John3:16,17
What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"— the things God has prepared for those who love him—1 Corinthians 2:9
Your eyes will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar.—Isaiah 33:17 NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.—Isaiah 41:10
"Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of death; Grant us grace to follow in faith where you lead us, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake in your likeness, for your tender mercies' sake. Amen." =
On the journey with you,
Jim
Dr. Jim Stout
drjimstout@gmail.com
www.drjimstout.com
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949-533-1108