BLOG 4/24/18. HOW DOES ONE ENGAGE AGEING WITH HOPE AND JOY?

A couple of months ago, when I was spoke in this blog about my impending 90^th birthday, I got back some interesting comments asking if it got any easier the older one got? That’s a question worth pursuing. I’ve written several books in the last decade whose target audience has been the emerging generation, since younger adults and college students have been the context of much of my career as a pastor-teacher-disciple-maker. But here I am at the other end of life, and so much that is written about ageing is pretty bleak, like: dementia, Alzheimer’s, helplessness, dependency, retirement centers, etc. The fact is that the huge Baby Boomer bubble is now moving into retirement, and that makes the demographics of ageing a hot topic. One can exist in very congenial surroundings and still be without hope or joy or any sense of purpose.

So, being one of those nonagenarians myself, and having known God’s boundless faithfulness in my adult life, here I am. I look at the text: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (I Thessalonians 5:16). My observation is that here is no “octogenarians-nonagenarians need not apply” notice hanging out in front of that exhortation! The same goes for Jesus’ word: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life … do not be anxious, saying what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or what shall we wear? … your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and these things shall be added to you.”

Oh? How does that fit in with the realities of giving up driving? Being dependent on others? Concerns about health in these ageing bodies? Mental acuity and freedom from dementia? Ageing without purpose? Good questions. Add to those: Am I now absolved from any responsibility for the mission of God in Christ Jesus? Have I accrued any wisdom that needs to be passed on? … Or is the witness of my life only one of decline and despair?

Jesus told Peter: “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go. … Follow me” (John 21:18-19). Such are the realities of this human sojourn. (It is not just ageing that can render us helpless. Think of the millions of refugees in the world today, many of which are fellow believers!) No, ageing is an inevitable passage of life, and brings the need for a fresh appraisal of God’s purpose for my/our lives, fresh patterns, living with limitations. But, at the same time we are called to be those whose lives are to be the radiant display of God’s glory.

When my much-loved older brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he asked the physician how long he had to live. And when told, he responded: “Thank you. I want to die like a Christian.” And so, he did. I, likewise, want to grow old like a Christian, rejoicing and giving thanks. I certainly don’t know what is out there but I know that I am to rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances—and I know that there is no: “Octogenarians-nonagenarians need not apply” warning in front of that promise. Feed me back your comments, and we’ll travel this road together. Peace!