Devotional: Growing up, I was privileged to always be surrounded by older folks, including my grandmother, Ana, and numerous aunts and uncles, and then my parents. I remember as they got older, they often dealt with aches and pains of old age.

The years flew by for this older generation as they continued to deal with health issues, and not being able to get around quite as easily as before. They were suddenly faced with their own mortality. On Ash Wednesday, we were all confronted with our own mortality, remembering that, “we are dust, and to dust we shall return.”

The gift of aging is the one called life. We have the opportunity to grow in awareness, wisdom, and experience. We have learned things that others need to know and God gives us the chance to share those things with those around us. May we share our hopes, dreams, fear, and love with others. May we share our wisdom and experiences with those around us. May we share our God stories with all those that we encounter.

In this season of Lent, remember that age is a number that reflects the number of years that God has blessed and gifted us life. May we share our life stories with others. May we remember these words from Proverbs 16:31 “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”

Prayer: Dear God, as we age, we may experience fear, loneliness, and other emotions, help us to remember that we are never alone but that you knew us before we were born, knows us by name, and you will continue to be with us until you call us home. Amen

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