Evergreen Seniors

Psalm 92:12-15 – The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon, planted in the house of the Lord. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock."

Wow! Hello, seniors! Look at this: evergreen seniors! Isn't that neat? Some weeks ago another Daily devotional directed me to this passage and, being a senior myself, it hit me like a fresh breeze. It's a renewing scene, this picture of evergreen seniors. I have a friend who signs all her greeting cards "evergreen…". You may have an evergreen grandpa! I wonder, what does it mean, really?

How do we stay green? Obviously, for it to be a state of being in the senior years, it has to start way before 65! What is the secret? This Scripture points out that it involves being planted in the house of the Lord. When roots grow deep, nourished by the worship of God year after year, life flourishes green each advancing year.

Seniors have experienced many struggles in life, and each one can hold a spiritual lesson. What is learned? For me, it is, "Stay close to the Lord Jesus and everything will work out okay." Now look, new shoots at retirement working with the world-wide web! Let us take another look at the seniors around us in this "Year of the Senior Person". What is their secret? The righteous, having flourished in the house of the Lord, enjoy a powerful edge: God's presence nourishing them year after year.

Enjoying the regular, faithful worship of God in younger years, we will see fresh greenery adorning our lives in advancing years. It sprouts in new adventures, new knowledge, new hopes — evergreen with promise. "You can do it because I, the Lord, am with you."

Halloo there, you wonderful evergreen seniors! We love having you with us in life's garden. You have set our family a great example. It's true; it shows; the Lord is your Rock.

Prayer: Dear God, help us be mindful of the nourishment we are receiving when in your house. Thank you for filling our hearts with soul food, greening our lives with promise. Thank you for the seniors that bring hope and comfort into our days, reminding us of the rock where we can stand so firmly: Jesus' presence with us each day. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.