I am sure that most of us are familiar with Psalm 90:10. It says, “The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” I have a tendency to think more about those words now, having just a few days ago bumped across the 73 marker of my life. I guess one could say that I am on the “by reason of strength” side of those words. At least I am still here and heading in that direction. Old age brings on the reality of aging, its aches and pains, its wearing out and visiting the doctor more. I am extremely sensitive to the many difficulties young people face in their lives – especially young Christians. I pray for them often. I wouldn’t want to go back to those days. However, I have come to fully appreciate the serious difficulties old people face. There is the physical and emotional frustration of no longer being able to do the things you once did – at least with the ease you once did them. There is the concern of diminishing mental abilities. There is often financial concerns and of being able to continue to provide for yourself. There is the concern over family and of their faithfulness to the Lord. There is the loss by death of friends, brethren, family, and, yes, spouses. All these things rob the aged of the context in which we have lived our whole lives. That is our comfort zone and now it is gradually and knowingly going away, and there is nothing we can do about it. It is like entering an unfamiliar, new world. I understand how it can be scary for some. I remember when I was younger and dealing with my aged parents. Honestly, I must admit now, that I don’t think I really understood what was going on in their lives – how they felt. Maybe I offer it as an excuse, but I don’t think I really could. It is one of those things you have to experience. We all have a tendency to limit our vision to only what we see out of our eyes. If I were to offer some advice, it is for children and others to try to see the lives of the aged through their aging eyes and to exercise patience and forbearance. I know it’s hard, but try! For us older ones, be more forgiving, tolerant, and understanding when those younger don’t quite get it. Remember when you were their age! In all of this, I trust I have learned something about aging, pain, sickness, approaching death, and the answering of prayer. It is that God doesn’t always see it as I see and want it. God may well see it as a time for my/your re-evaluation of priorities – both spiritual and physical – for all involved. The aging can learn. Their children can learn. Their friends can learn. We must be open, self-evaluating and honest with ourselves as we experience this time in our lives. Listen: “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes” (Psa. 119:71). “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Cor. 12:8-9). “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10). Since sin came into the world, life cannot be lived without pain and sorrow. It is the way it is, even for Christians. Yes, God wants us happy, but He speaks of happiness through trials (James 1:12). He also says, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). And He promises, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13). Adult children, you have responsibilities to your parents even if they have not been the best of parents. The requirement of honoring is not qualified by if they have been good (Eph. 6:1-3; 1 Tim. 5:1-4). Aging parents, if you have not been what you should have been, ask God’s and your children’s forgiveness. Everyone! Seek reconciliation! Make the closing years good ones. Do what you can (Mark 14:8), “as much as [it] depends on you” (Rom. 12:18). Scripture says of Abraham’s death that he “breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people” (Gen. 25:8, NASB). I pray yours and mine will be such. “Maranatha” (1 Cor 16:22 KJV/NASB).