2015/04/01 – Devotional
Gray Haired Splendor
“Gray hair [is] the splendor of the old.” Proverbs 20:29
Ernest Barkaway, a 90-year old Englishman, looked bright, sprightly and dapper in his woolen vest and British tam. He told me that when one of his kidneys was removed, he received a blood transfusion: “I watched the drops trickle through the tube, and I thought of all the people–male and female, English and foreign, black and white–who had given freely of their life blood for my need.” After a pause he wistfully added, “How much more Jesus gave freely of His life blood for my deepest need!” I could tell he had garnered much godly wisdom in his 90 years. He proved it with a poem he gave me…
They say that I am growing old; I’ve heard them say times untold, In language plain and bold–but I am not growing old. This frail old shell in which I dwell is growing old, I know full well! But I am not the shell. What if my hair is turning gray; gray hairs are honorable they say. What if my eyesight’s growing dim; I still can see to follow Him Who sacrificed His life for me–upon the Cross at Calvary!
Why should I care if time’s old plough has left its furrows on my brow? Another house, not made with hands awaits me in the Glory Land. What though I falter in my walk and though my tongue refuse to talk? I still can tread the narrow way; I still can watch and praise and pray! The robe of flesh I’ll drop and rise to seize the everlasting prize I’ll meet you on the streets of gold and prove I am NOT growing old.
As I wrote the above, I learned Ernest Barkaway went home to be with Jesus. Write a note of encouragement or call an elderly friend today. Share Mr. Barkaway’s poem.
Father, reveal to me ways I can ascribe dignity and show respect to the elderly people in my life. May I never take lightly their struggles and trials.
Blessings,
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As I was told by my grandma if you respect & listen to your elders, your life can bring many promises. To a wise old grandma Ms. Edith Jillson may you RIP… Of course we can’t forget about Pastor Mike who also has encourage me to take time & have patients. Thank-you to two wise people who have taught me a lot.
Very nice devotional.
To Mike and readers of his beautiful Sermons.
Happy and Blessed Easter
SERGIO TORRES
I really liked the devotional today. It’s a shame more people don’t show respect to the elderly but want respect shown to them. May God open their eyes.
Mike Jr.