Photo: going out in a blaze of glory

How wonderful it is to spend time with elderly people who are filled with hope, not only for themselves, but for the generations yet to come. How encouraging it is to listen to those who have experienced many trials and come through praising God for his goodness.

I watched a documentary on the characteristics of centenarians (100-year olds). They had little in common as far as diet, exercise, or lifestyle were concerned. What they did have in common was a reason to get up everyday -a project that mattered to them or other people or pets to care for. The other practice they had in common was the ability to handle grief well. When a person lives to 100 years they have probably lost most, if not all, of their familiar friends and family. The ability to grieve and avoid bitterness seems essential to remaining a person who is physically,  mentally and spiritually healthy and capable of seeing past their own aches and pains and weaknesses.

Oh Lord, may we be thankful and increase in fruitfulness even as we grow older. May we remember to tell the next generations the wonderful stories of your grace.

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth!

 I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known,
that our fathers have told us.

 We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.

(Psalm 78)