I’m sure you have heard the saying, “Old age isn’t for sissies!” Those words don’t resonate in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, but in your 50s, you begin to hear their faint whispers of truth. In your 60s, the volume has been turned up, and you may have to adjust your hearing aids! Time marches on whether we want it to or not.

My hubby and I often laugh at our aging bodies and the reality that we can’t do what we used to. We move more slowly, sometimes with a hitch in our get-along, and there are sometimes moans and grunts getting out of a chair or off the floor.

About three years ago, I inherited a weekly Bible study in a long-term care facility. Women come from the assisted living wing and the long-term care wing. Some are ushered in by wheelchairs, while a few motor themselves along in their wheelchairs with their feet. Walkers are put off to the side in exchange for a comfy chair, and one lovely ninety-eight-year-old attendee walks in unassisted on her own.

Eyes and ears aren’t what they used to be, and their words are sometimes laced with the frustrations of not being able to remember how to find a Bible reference. Yet, whether they open them or not, their Bibles are always with them like an old, familiar friend.

They love music, especially the old hymns. Regardless of their denominational background, the old hymns resonate with them all. Every week, we read the history of a hymn from the book “Then Sings My Soul” by Robert J. Morgan. We discover who wrote the words, the music, and the year it was published. Then, thanks to modern technology, we listen to the chosen hymn on YouTube. Every week, I look around the table and see lips whisper-singing words from memory; there are closed eyes as the sweetness of the Holy Spirit melts over them. Tears slip down the softly wrinkled faces, and I sit in awe as our Heavenly Father gently loves His daughters through old, penned words and musical notes. I am moved to tears myself by His compassion and faithfulness to these resilient, brave, and deeply grateful women.

I ask the Holy Spirit every week what He wants to minister to them, and He always leads me to a specific portion of scripture to share. One week, we wore sparkly crowns when we read about Queen Esther because each of us was born “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14) Even in their mature years, I want them to know they are not forgotten, the Lord sees them, and He still has a plan for their lives. I have extra crowns if you ever want to join us at the feet of Jesus:)

Whatever season of life you may be in, I pray Psalm 103 over you. May you know that the Creator of the universe sees you, knows you, and pursues you with His unfailing love through Jesus Christ.

“He satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like an eagle.” Psalm 103:5