Bearing Fruit in Old Age

Day 61 of Photo Inspirations:  Bearing Fruit in Old Age
Yesterday I went for my weekly visit to see Mom and my great niece.  On Mondays, the youngest member of the family (20-months old), Mom's great granddaughter, pays her  a visit.  It's always such a special time to see these two together.  Mom's name is Lydia; Anna Lydia is little sweetie pie's name.  It was such a beautiful tribute for my nephew and his wife to name her after the two grandmothers. But, most importantly, Mom has Anna in her life.  Actually, I think Anna has caused Mom to hit the "reset" button, and she's getting additional years added to her life. Mom loves this little girl so much.  There isn't a conversation with her, that she doesn't talk about Anna and her latest antics or words or actions.  No question, she was a gift to Mom at this stage of her life.

At 92, Mom is proof positive that it's possible to flourish in old age. At any given time, you can walk in her home, and she's sitting at her kitchen table, reading her Bible or praying.  The only weekly outings she has are Wednesday prayer service and Sunday church, and to get her hair done.   Quite frankly, she's younger than a lot of young people I know.  She has a "can do" attitude.    Her white hair and taking-it-slower-when-she-walks would tell you otherwise, but she is flourishing in heart and spirit.  

Psalm 92:12 "The righteous will flourish like palm trees;  they will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the Lord’s Temple, they will flourish in the courtyard of our God. They will STILL BEAR FRUIT IN OLD AGE;  they will be luxuriant and green."  

Thank God there are no age limits to His promises. Thank God that His Word says “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me ALL the days of my life...”  This is MY "Maturity Plan".  It is a plan based on His promises and bearing fruit for Him.  

Some look forward to the rocking chair. I look forward to new adventures with God. Some look forward to relaxing at the beach and letting the younger generation pick up the torch.  I look forward to standing beside the younger generation on the front lines of battle and cheering them on, trusting God to keep renewing my strength. Though we continue to "ripen and mature" on a daily basis, our inner man is being renewed day by day! The best way to grow old is to stay young on the inside. The best way to stay young on the inside is to stay on the front lines of faith in God and loving others -- serving this generation with vigor and vitality.  By the way, THIS generation is EVERYONE that is still alive.  Yes, this IS the Fountain of Youth!