Golden years: they say old age is all in your mind. I wish someone would tell that to my face and back!

Vibrant Life, Sept-Oct, 2004 by Richard O'Ffill

My father-in-law was a handsome man. But in his later years he confessed that sometimes when he'd look at himself in the mirror he'd think, What happened to me? Although he felt the way he always had on the inside, he could see that time had taken its toll on the outside.

I don't know who came up with the idea about old age being our "golden years." As far as I can figure, it must have been someone who sold dentures.

They say old age is all in your mind. I wish someone would tell that to my face and back! "Yes, Dad. What happened to you? And what's happening to me?"

I used to think that Ecclesiastes 12 was a chapter about young people, probably because it begins, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth." When we first memorized that text, that was as far as the verse went. But in reality, the rest of chapter 12 is not about youth at all; rather it's a poetic description of old age as Solomon viewed it.

One paraphrase Bible puts it this way: "Remember your Creator while you're still young and give Him the best of your life. The years pass quickly, and soon you'll be old and will say to yourself, 'I surely don't enjoy life like 1 used to.' When those days come, your eyesight will grow dim, and you will see little difference between a bright sunny day and a moonlit night. The stars will fade from your view, and each day the sky will seem overcast and dark, filled with clouds of rain" (Ecclesiastes 12: 1, 2, The Clear Word). The writer of this somewhat depressing passage goes on to outline what he considers to be age-related problems concerning arms, legs, teeth, ears, and libido.

Two thoughts come to mind when studying those verses. It's difficult for me to conclude that old age is all in the mind, and Solomon didn't enjoy the benefits of reading Vibrant Life regularly! If he had, he would have known that living a health-conscious life considerably lessens the potential impact the years impose. But I digress.

Though an abiding faith in God doesn't deliver us from the continuum of life, it does give us strength to endure those problems that do come our way. Best of all, we have the promise that he or she who "stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). Jesus Himself explained that in this world we would have trouble, but He admonished us not to give up because He had overcome the world.

The psalmist--a man well acquainted with the ups and downs of human existence--writes, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (Psalm 23:4). Jesus Himself offers the ultimate comfort: "Surely I will be with you always" (Matthew 28:20). He has even agreed to one day make all things new, including us (Revelation 21:5)!

"Hey, I'm only 46!" you, say. "Why are you telling me this?" The point, my friend, is that wherever we find ourselves in this journey of life, we need to have a game plan that takes into account the whole picture. The sooner a young person understands the significance of Ecclesiastes 12 and, by altering his or her lifestyle, chooses a much brighter alternative, the sooner he or she will start living a more productive life mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Here's a suggestion--one that will be both a preparation for the future and a comfort when it arrives. It's based on James 1:27 that reads: "Look after orphans and widows in their distress and ... keep [yourself] from being polluted by the world."

Widows are usually the aged among us. Identify a neighbor, friend, or family member that fits that description and begin to interact with him or her regularly, include the kids. Read stories, sing songs, tell jokes, create crafts, share food, give gifts. Such activities will not only be a blessing to your whole family and bring much joy and hope to that elderly individual; you'll also discover that you have much to learn about aging from those whose lives are illuminated by that unmistakable golden glow.

Richard O'Ffill writes from Longwood, Florida.