One of the advantage’s of being older is that you have a
longer view of life, a greater overall perspective and the wisdom that comes
from having seen many things at least once before.
The disadvantages are that it can feel like the best has
already happened and a slight worry that you did not make the most of those
times; that it is all downhill from now on.
In my own life, the previous seasons such as having young children
at home has long gone. One of the times I enjoyed very much was when our
children were grown up and they had not yet, or were only just, married or had
their own children. We did some really fun things together as adults. Those
days are gone but now we are in the completely different yet wonderful season
of having young grandchildren with all the joys and noise that it brings!
In my spiritual life I can look back on the wonder of when
we were first saved and lapping up every morsel about our newfound faith. Later there were the amazing days when God’s
Spirit was poured out in a sovereign move in the Christian school where I
worked. Then came the incredible meetings following the Toronto outpouring when
we lingered in God’s presence and felt God’s love in manifest ways. One of highlights
of my middle age was taking young people on short-term mission and now in later
life when there is still much to give there can nevertheless be a feeling that
the best is past.
I wonder whether the disciples felt like that. Did they look
back fondly on the wonderful days when Jesus first called them from the fishing
nets and tax booth? Did they remember with longing the incredible crowds and
when they were first sent out to do the Master’s work? As they felt the
opposition to Jesus grow and the fear that their beloved Master was going to be
crucified did they look back with longing for the early days? As the horror of Jesus’ death unfolded did a
terrible feeling that the best was past overwhelm them?
But with the benefit of hindsight we know that for the
disciples the best was still to come. There were still crowds to be preached
to, nations to evangelise, miracles to perform and the joy of persecution and
martyrdom following in Jesus’ footsteps. (For
us Western Christians that may seem an odd thing to say but read James 1: 3 and
Matthew 5: 11 – 12).
The wisdom that comes from walking with God for over 30
years is a valuable resource. There is the knowledge and wisdom that comes from
reading the Bible and praying through some of the difficult times in our own
lives, in those around us and especially in the church. Finally there is the
faith and trust in God that has been built, honed and refined through the good
times and especially the not so good times. These are great assets which God
will not let rust or wither.
Therefore I must turn my eyes from the past, refuse any
lingering regret and fix my eyes firmly on Jesus believing that despite the
passing years, the inability to do all I used to do, the stiffness in my
joints, my spirit is increasingly alive to the possibility of all God can and
will do to those who submit themselves to him and trust him to open fresh doors
and opportunities.
So may I encourage you that if you are in the prime of life
to make the most of every day and opportunity and if, like me, your prime is a
distant memory then join me in putting your best foot forward, even if it is
arthritic and determining to boldly go where you have not been before because
the best is yet to come.
