Wednesday, September 16, 2009

September. Autumn. Approaching Winter.

September. A week ago we were still in summer. Good rains had kept our fields, lawns, trees a bright green that lasted up until this past week. And now, in September, overnight, summer has left us and autumn has arrived.

Today as we drove to the city I looked long at the fields next to the road. The soybeans are turning. The corn is drying. The weeds are growing tall, hoping to set on a few more seeds before frost. The change is more visible each day. And when we see this change, we know winter is on the horizon.

In terms of day-to-day our lives are like the summer landscape. Each day is one more day gone. And we are one more day closer to our end. I'm acutely aware of this and it causes me to look ahead and wonder. How many more days? Weeks? Years? Perhaps few. Perhaps many. And I wonder what it is going to be like to walk those remaining days.

It amuses me that young people see my husband and me as "old people". I see it in how they speak to us, how they wait on us in a restaurant, sometimes how they ignore us. And sometimes how they are gracious to us.

And I think to myself, someday you'll be where I am now. It seems a long way off to you right now.

I don't think they have a clue.

I didn't. (smile) I remember thinking "old" was afar.

But I am not disheartened about reaching "old". I am not fearful. Scripture tells us that God knows all our days (Psalm 139:16) and that He holds us safely in His hands (John 10:28-29). I am content with that. And grateful. Incredibly grateful.

4 comments:

Dandy said...

The changing of the seasons always makes me reflective.

Glynis said...

I totally know what you are talking about. I know I have moved to another season and it is very noticeable in the faces and actions of others. I try to fight it most days until I remember that there is a season for everything under heaven! x

lindacreates said...

Oh how I relate to your comments about treating you old. How come we don't feel old (60 for me!) inside? I still feel the same as I have for years. No one knows but our Lord how many more days we have so we need to live and enjoy each and everyone, thanking him daily.

jim said...

Old age comes suddenly upon us. No one knows that better than old people (Psalm 37:25, Hosea 7:9). Sorrow and sickness, loneliness and despair often accompany advancing years.

No one can ignore or remove the problems that old age brings. But Christians share God's best in life, even in old age. Old age from a biblical perspective is life transformed, life renewed, life filled with blessings and opportunities. In fact, a man can even be born again when he is old (John 3:4).

An Exhortation to Rejoice in Old Age
by Dr. George Fuller

full article at:

http://www.pcacep.org/Publications/EquipArchives/2004/November/oldageNov04.htm