Listen to this devotion
Aging: Growing Older Together
In the Word
“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12).
Of the Word
In his hit song, “Forever and Ever, Amen,” Randy Travis shares how he feels about his wife’s hair turning gray, “Well, honey, I don’t care, I ain’t in love with your hair, and if it all fell out, I’d love you anyway.” In a culture that values youth and fights hard to cover or reverse any signs of aging, this kind of love is exceptional!
No doubt your spouse’s physical characteristics played a role in your initial attraction, but time will eventually change these features. Fortunately as we mature, so does our perspective on life and our perspective on our spouse. In the gray hair and “smile lines” we see not only the personality and character of the person whom we love, but also the joys and sorrows that have been experienced in a life lived by God’s grace. Our understanding of our spouse deepens and the physical changes — instead of being regretted — are welcomed. Growing old together is a gift of God to be cherished in each other.
Walking with my Lord
Unchanging God, if it is Your will that we grow old together on this earth, give us grace and understanding through all the changes aging will bring. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 28/28 ©2008 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
“Forever and Ever, Amen,” words and music by Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet. ©1987 Screen Gems- EMI Music Inc., Scarlet Moon Music, Don Schlitz Music and Universal – MCA Music Publishing, A Division of Universal Studios, Inc. All rights reserved.
