Old Age Millie

Last year, I experienced three major events in my life. First my husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, next I celebrated my 50th high school class reunion in October, and then I celebrated my 70th birthday. Life is definitely a journey that goes way too fast. And you often ask yourself, "How did I get here?" Well, we know, of course, one day at a time. I thank the Lord that I made it to 70 years of age as mentioned in Psalm 90:10:

"The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away".

The number "70" carries a sacred meaning in the Bible that is made up of the factors of two perfect numbers -- seven (representing perfection) and ten (representing completeness and God's law). As such, it symbolizes perfect spiritual order carried out with all power.

As I reflect on turning 70, I think about the two patriarchs in the Bible, namely, Abraham and Moses, who did their best work for God in their 70's and 80's. There are several passages in the Bible about old age.

"Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days." (Job 12:12)

"Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life." (Proverbs 16:31)

In growing older, I welcome even more wisdom. I am thankful that the Lord can still use me and that I have not finished my course yet. One of my Bible study group members commented on our weekly memory verse of 1 Timothy 4:12:

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)

She said that the passage not only applied to the "youth" but to any age, especially as you get older. Just like Paul instructed Timothy, I want to set a godly example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. To maintain my physical health, I exercise at least four days a week by doing walking videos. To be spiritually fit, I study God's word each day to know it better. Since there are false teachings and ideologies in our world today, studying and knowing God's word is so important. It keeps my faith from becoming shipwrecked. The apostle Paul says to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). To further reinforce this verse, my Bible Study Teaching Director also challenged us to take time to examine our life closely in light of God's word. I will always remember what my father said, that age is nothing but a number for your social security number and address.