Elder Wisdom by Anna Lee
When you get to be my age, many Bible scriptures that have special meaning are embedded in one’s memory. Each person who has committed to memory particular verses find them meaningful for different reasons. One that I recall from my childhood is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Now I don’t remember all of the lines, but these were significant for me: For everything there is a season, and time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted. (RSV)
As we have endured the turbulent days of the last few years, I have spent a lot of time wondering how the world arrived at this place of discontent and divide. What is causing the pandemic? Why can’t we just acknowledge that we do not have all the answers? Why do we fight endless wars? Why do we fight with each other?
Why do some countries massacre their own citizens? Why do people ignore their own neighbors? The list could go on and on. But then I think back to the ‘50s and ‘60s, and the world was just as divided as it is today. I know many of you did not live during that time, but while we often look back at the “good old days” through the rose-colored glasses of hindsight, there was an equal amount of division and disagreement.
It gives me comfort in these uncertain days to look to the words of Revelation 1:8, in which God tells us, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” … who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. He is ours for all eternity, if only we would trust in him. The world is constantly changing, and that is difficult for us mortals to understand. Even our bodies change every day. We must know that our relationship with God and Jesus Christ is our rock-solid foundation, and we must trust in Him. Visit with the Lord every morning, and let him guide you through the day. We can change our small world by following the words of Jesus and being compassionate, loving, giving, friendly, happy and caring with all the people we come in contact with every day. A smile and a kind word can change a person’s whole day.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. – Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
After all these years, I have finally learned to leave the big problems to God to solve. Try it.
