BIRTHDAYS

Do birthdays seem less exciting as we get older? Doesn’t it seem as if the year passes more quickly or our bodies are less than cooperative? But no matter how creaky we feel, God can still use us to affect our world.

Inspiring stories of late-in-life accomplishments are everywhere. A few of my favorites: Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize at 69; Susan B. Anthony formed the International Woman Suffrage Alliance at 80, and Grandma Moses didn’t begin painting until she was 76. She didn’t allow the arthritis in her hands to slow her down, as she created over 1,000 paintings in 25 years. At the time of her death, at age 101, her paintings were in many museums, including Vienna and Paris.

Biblical examples include Abraham and Sarah, whom God blessed with a son, at the ages of 100 and 90. Moses was 80 and his brother, Aaron, was 83, when they confronted Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.

No matter where we are in life, we can never give up, or take lightly, the influence we can have on those around us. Who knows when our next opportunity will pop up? Remember, Moses watched sheep for 40 years before God called Him into leadership.

So get excited about those birthdays! You never know what blessings await you in the coming year!

Our Bible verses this week are:

Psalm 92:13-15, “For they are transplanted into the Lord’s own garden and are under his personal care. Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green. This honors the Lord and exhibits his faithful care. He is my shelter. There is nothing but goodness in him!”

Isaiah 46:4, “I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior.”

Proverbs 31:25, “She is a woman of strength and dignity and has no fear of old age.”