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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: I’ve been told that the “golden years” are known as the years following retirement – the time to enjoy the fruit of one’s labor. When I retired my life fell apart. Does society know that there is no such thing as retirement bringing a time of rest and leisure? It’s a time of sickness followed by death. It’s a dreadful thing. – R.B.

 

Dear R.B.: Many are surprised to learn that the term “golden years” was coined in 1959 for an advertising campaign for one of America’s first retirement communities. People bought into the idea that retirement was a time of leisure and doing what brings pleasure. The Bible doesn’t hide the negative side of getting older – nor should we. But neither does aging mean that God no longer has a purpose for us.

One of the most poetic and candid descriptions of infirmities in all literature comes from the writer of Ecclesiastes. After surveying the futility of life without God, he urges his readers to commit their lives to Him while they are still young. The reason? Not only would God give meaning and joy to their lives right now, but if they delay too long, it will be too late to enjoy God’s good gifts.

He tells us to remember our Creator in the days of youth, before the days of trouble, for the time will come when we say, “I find no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1, ESV).

But is this all there is to growing older? No. Scripture records the story of Barzillai in 2 Samuel 19, emphasizing that he was “old,” yet still useful. The Bible is dotted with examples of the aged – men and women who refused to use old age as an excuse. It isn’t always easy, but we will make our own lives better (and those who care about us) if we work at growing old gracefully; and God will help us.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)