Faithful Long Lives

Today I had the pleasure of attending the 90th birthday party for one of our members. Amarant is a woman of deep faith who has given her heart and her life in service to others. She and her husband raised a family of sons to be good, faithful men. She taught young people in the school system for many years, even while she moved around the United States with her husband serving his country in the Navy.

Living a long time gives one a perspective on life with its ups and downs. Joy and sorrow color our lives, and often, we cannot see the beauty of that interplay until many years later. Amarant sees the beauty of life as she grows older. In spite of the limitations on her mobility, she has no limitations on her memories. She can see God’s hand throughout her life, stretching from the beginning and continuing today and moving into the future.

Many of her friends, fellow church members, and neighbors came to celebrate with her at her house. Delicious food filled the table as laughter and conversation filled the air.

These scripture passages speak to us as we grow older and realize that God’s powerful love continues to support us and sustain us.

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”                               (Proverbs 16:31)

“So do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.”                                                                (2 Corinthians 4:16)

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”                                                                                                         (Psalm 73:26)

Even though we live in a culture that fears aging, we need not fear it. Trusting God, we can live with the assurance that we are never out of God’s hands and we will join our Lord in the Kingdom of Heaven one day.

Pastor Louise