My Anchors Are Aging

“When they are old, they will still produce fruit; they will be healthy and fresh.”  Psalm 92:14

I listened to Charlotte Leeth, dressed as a Revolutionary War era lady, share about the women and their work and influence during the early years of the formation of our country.  Her knowledge and authenticity transported the audience back in time.  Mrs. Leeth, as I refer to her, was my ninth grade English teacher.  I credit her for beginning my writing journey.  She encouraged me as a teenager and saw potential in me which influenced me to write several books.  Mrs. Leeth edited my last book – Live Different Moments. Since you are reading this blog, you can thank Mrs. Leeth too.  Her influence is still producing fruit.

My life has been impacted by the encouraging words of my teacher.  Mrs. Leeth will be ninety-eight years on this earth in a few weeks.  Her life has been fruitful in great and small ways.  She has made a difference in her students and her community and in her faith and mission trips.  I am privileged to be counted among those she has influenced.  Age is just a number to her.  She remains active and full of joy and life.

I had lunch with my friend, Dwight, who is in the season of his 90’s.  He has been like an adopted dad to me since I served as a youth minister in my early twenties. Always a gentleman, always the same constant man, always strong in his faith and his love.  He told me that he has had a good life and has been blessed.  He has been a strong foundation for the church and for those he has mentored.  He wonders why his is still here on earth.  For me, he is an anchor – always steady and sure.  I need people who are consistent, strong, never waver in their faith, and always love.  Dwight always says “Love you back” when I say “I love you.”  He always loves me back.  Now, that is a great legacy and wonderful fruit.  To always be loved back.  That makes a difference.

Ginny is preparing to leave this world whenever God calls her.  She tells me she has lived long enough at age ninety-four.  She is ready to join her daughter, Jan, in heaven.  She wants to make sure all the paperwork is completed so her granddaughter does not have to worry or figure it out.  She has also told me she has waited until warmer weather in the cemetery so I do not have to officiate at her service in the cold.  Ginny’s life still bears fruit because she is teaching how to prepare and not leave work behind for others to complete.  Completion and practicality are good fruit.

So many of my dearest friends are in their 90’s and still going strong.  I value their wisdom, and I so enjoy listening to their stories and the sharing of their memories that they hold close to their hearts.  They have lived a long and full life filled with joys and sorrows, challenges and accomplishments, and have survived to share their knowledge and faith.  Yes, all of them are grounded in their commitment to Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

It is amazing conversation to talk about Heaven with those who are preparing to take the journey whenever God calls them home.  My friends wonder why they are still here and are ready to walk into Heaven.  They feel like they have fulfilled their purpose and because of their aging bodies do not feel productive.  But they are anchors for those who follow them.  We need people who live the values of integrity, commitment, consistency, respect, and are grounded in their faith and love for Jesus.

Heaven keeps getting sweeter as my dear friends take the journey home.  I am never ready to let them go, but I am always happy for them.  They will get to see Jesus face to face and be rewarded for their earthly labor.

Anchor yourself in Jesus and allow those who have travelled farther on the journey to be your guide to Jesus.

Check out my Newspaper Articles and past blogs and my books on my website – www.livinginthedifferent.com