Autumn is a beautiful season that signifies both the year coming to an end and the approach of the New Year, when the calendar turns and we step forward in time. The seasonal calendar has some connection with overall human life, and for seniors living at Bethesda Gardens in Monument, CO, the autumnal time of life can be a beautiful season of growth, fellowship and enjoying retirement.
The Bible is full of wisdom for people of all ages, and Scripture speaks frequently to the needs and lives of seniors, often encouraging older adults to use their experience and wisdom for both the glory of God and the edification of younger generations. Here's a look at some things the Bible says about living out the autumn season of life.
Spiritual Renewal Continues
2 Corinthians 4:16 says, "So we do no lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."
That first part my sound harsh, describing the aging process as wasting away. But Paul wasn't one to mince words, and he was dealing with his own bodily afflictions the entire time he served Christ. Many scholars believe that the "thorn" in Paul's side was loss of or problems with his vision, but it could have been another physical ailment. The fact that Scripture doesn't call out the specifics of Paul's thorn is good — it helps Christians of any age relate with their own physical ailments and see that even if mobility or other physical functions are limited, we can continue to be renewed daily and have a robust spiritual life.
Gray Hair Is Glorious
Proverbs 20:29 says, "The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor or old men is their gray hair." The book of wisdom speaks to gray hair multiple times; Proverbs 16:31 says, "Gray hair is a crown of glory, it is gained in a righteous life."
If you're lucky enough to retain your hair color — or you enjoy coloring it — don't worry. The book of Proverbs is speaking more in metaphor here, simply pointing out that the things we lose with age aren't counted against us because the things you can gain with age, such as experience and wisdom, are more valuable.
God Remains With You
Isaiah 46:4 says, "Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save."
God doesn't forsake the old for the new. He is unchanging and perfect, and He continues to love and carry everything he made — even you. That's true no matter what you do, how long you live and what you think of yourself. Even if you feel you have wandered too far away, all you have to do is turn back toward God and take the first step. He is there to carry you the rest of the way and save you.
As you enjoy autumn and see it break into winter at Bethesda Gardens, take some time to remember that God is with you and that He has created this season in life especially for you. While there are struggles in any of life's season, there are also blessings from God to be enjoyed.
