"Gray Hairs"

 

“Gray Hairs”

 

In March of 1965 I sent my grandfather a card for his 80^th birthday. He wrote back thanking me and expressing his gratitude to God for His goodness throughout his life. About ten weeks later he, along with my parents, brother, two grandmothers and aunt attended my college graduation ceremonies. And I enjoyed many more special times with him before the Lord took him Home in December of 1969.

If God wills and Jesus tarries I’ll become a member of the Octogenarian Club next July. I echo Grandpa’s thoughts in thanking God for His blessings, leading and provision over the years. Things haven’t always been easy—Jesus never promised they would be—but (to borrow a line from a song by Carol Cymbala) “He’s been faithful, faithful to me….”. And I praise Him for it!

We reside in a 55+ community, attend a geezer Sunday School class and are part of a small group made up of seniors. So we’re surrounded by gray heads (and in some cases bald ones). So not long ago when I read “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.” (Isaiah 46:4) I became curious. I found that the Hebrew word (actually three variations of the same root) appears 22 times and has the basic meaning of old age. My hair has become increasingly gray (as well as scarcer) in recent years so I pray Solomon’s words are true of me: “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” (Proverbs 16:31).

In ancient times old age was esteemed and still is in many cultures of the world. After Job’s “friends” had offered their counsel (read judgment), “Elihu had waited for the others to speak because they were older than he. But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out….” (Job 32:4-5, NLT). Many centuries later in Titus 2:1-5 Paul instructed his young protégé to teach the older believers in Crete to be examples to the younger ones. My desire is that as I listen to preachers, almost all of whom are younger than I am, I’ll take this seriously, especially when it comes to my children and grandchildren, and pray with the psalmist (likely David), “Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” (Psalm 71:18, NLT). That would be a legacy worth leaving—I pray I will.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan