“Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. That’s why we don’t lose heart.” 2Cor.4:16.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26.
“I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Isa.46:4.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the aching-but-joyful, realistic-but-Gospelicious friends you’ve woven into my heart and story. A recent bout with plantar fasciitis has highlighted the “outwardly wasting away” part of life this side of heaven. But it has also made the gift of Gospel-sane friends more precious than ever. There is no “fountain of youth”; but there is a bottomless ocean of grace. Hallelujah, let’s swim!
Our bodies wear out as we live and love towards the Day of all things new; but our attitudes don’t have to “go down the toilet” or be held hostage to fear and complaining. Our quality of life isn’t dependent on how many miles we can walk but how big our Gospel is, how great a Savior you are, and how faithful our Father is.
So, thank you for my friends who have come to terms with aging, are seeking to live healthy lives, and are more committed than ever to Gospel-renewal. Gray hair, less hair, wrinkles, and aches aren’t a death sentence but an opportunity to boast in our weaknesses, get to know you better, and serve others. Jesus, why does it take so long to learn that life was never designed to be about staying young and prepping for retirement, but loving you and living in light of heaven? So Very Amen.
