OUR 'SEASONED' BLESSING
This week is Thanksgiving, the annual high point of thanks-giving. Time again for the guilt that emerges when realizing I haven’t focused nearly enough on being thankful during the 51 weeks since the last celebration of this holiday. It’s almost become an annual “Thanksgiving Resolution” that is broken by the second week of December each year.
Poor performances aside, now is when we often focus on the past year’s happenings and the things we are particularly thankful for. For some it may be a new job, an exceptionally fruitful season of harvest, or maybe a retirement. For others, the birth of a new child or grandchild, or maybe a new marriage in the family. The list could and does go on, thereby evidencing the need for a time of thanksgiving.
For myself, it is the “home-going” of my 97 year old father who passed away in August. In one sense it might seem strange that this event elicits a feeling of thanksgiving. After all, he is no longer here with us where I and my family can enjoy his presence. This saddens me. I miss him. But when a long and well-lived life ends in a reunion with the Heavenly Father, how can one not be thankful? I have no doubt countless members of our congregation have experienced these same feelings about beloved family members now and throughout the years. Because it has now occurred in my family, it’s causing me to think a bit more about the blessing of having the elderly among us.
God pronounces that blessing in His word:
“Is not wisdom found among the aged?
Does not long life bring understanding?” Job 12:12
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” Proverbs 16:31
“The glory of young men is their strength, and the honor of old men is their gray hair.” Proverbs 20:29
A long life is generally a blessing as one advances in years. But what about the gracious gift to those of us who are able to tap into their experience and wisdom for so long a time? It is a rich benefit that God doesn’t take His children home as soon as they become mentally, physically or economically less productive. No, rather he allows them to tarry for 15, or 20, or even 25 years for the profit of the rest of his creation.
God doesn’t stop at only telling us of the wisdom and value of the aged. He commands us to recognize it and honor them for it.
“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:32.
“Remember the days of old;
consider the generations long past.
Ask your father and he will tell you,
your elders, and they will explain to you.” Deuteronomy 32:7
“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” Proverbs 23:22
The vast number of children and youth in our church is a constant reminder of God’s blessing on our congregation. We see it ourselves and hear it from visitors. There can be no doubt that this is true. In this Thanksgiving season and after, take a moment to scan the attendees at our services and recognize the presence of those among us of advancing years, and offer a special word of thanks for them. Take opportunities to visit with those more “seasoned” among us and particularly ask about their faith walk. God has allowed us continued access to their wisdom gained through a life of learning and experience. By their presence, God has profoundly enriched our congregation, and He commands us to value and honor this blessing of wisdom and learned understanding.