As I draw closer to them, I'm seeing that the so called "golden years" of life are not really all that golden. Many who are looking forward to retirement and happy days filled with rest and recreation will agree with what Solomon wrote about old age; "I have no delight in them".
The other day I was in Sun City taking my mother to her doctor's appointment. In this retirement community, like most others, health care is the primary industry. While I was waiting for my mother I went to a local restaurant frequented by retired senior citizens. I couldn't help but overhear their conversations. They tend to talk a little louder because most of them have hearing problems. Anyway, the topic of their conversations was mostly about their multifarious infirmities. Someone's spouse broke her hip. One of them was losing her sight and another was recently released from the hospital.
As I watched and listened to these retirees, I was reminded about those verses in Ecclesiastes that describe what happens to our physical bodies if we are fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to experience those "golden years". Solomon gave us a preview of what we can expect; "In the day that the watchman of the house tremble," (once strong arms that become weak and tremble); "The grinding ones stand idle because they are few," (fewer teeth); "Those who look through windows grow dim," (failing eyesight); All the daughters of song will sing softly," (hearing loss); "The grasshopper drags himself along," (weak, stiff and lame legs); Obviously, the number, frequency and duration of our physical problems increase as we get older.
Solomon concludes in Ecclesiastes 12:7 by reminding his readers that "the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. 'Vanity of vanities.' says the Preacher, 'all is vanity!" Rather than what is advertised as the "golden years", Solomon rightly says are mostly "evil days" for many older people.
Now, to be fair, not every day for older people is evil and many of those who have retired are enjoying this time of their life. But all of us have bodies that are wearing out and we are all just a heart beat away from eternity regardless of our age. The point is that, the older you get the more likely that you will lose your health and your life here on earth. If the Lord tarries, none of us will get out alive. So young or old, "remember your Creator" and keep looking forward to that perfect body and eternal life that He has promised to those who love Him. Maybe we need to focus a little less on our current situation and more on all that is coming; "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) Maranatha!
