AARP

“The hoary [gray] head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31).

I received my invitation to join AARP by mail this week. I will turn 50 in a few days. I consider reaching 50 to be an honored marker in my life. I have actually been looking forward to my AARP letter to arrive for months. I probably won’t join – as I am not really the “joining” type; that’s not really the issue in my heart. Although I have no plans on retiring (now or in the future – why should I, as long as I can do what I love to do!), it just seems an appropriate token of this milestone in my life.

I have not dreaded being 50. After all, what is the alternative? In fact I embrace it as part of God’s all-wise plan of life – and what a plan it is! My hair is even beginning have a few strands of gray – which I am thankful for. This is the prime of life! I finally seem to have a true grip on life in general, and my Father’s life in particular. I am thankful to be turning 50.

In this strange day when youth is valued above age, we must allow our perspective to be adjusted by the sure truth of the Bible. The Scripture places great worth upon age.

We live in a society that seems to devalue old age, while placing importance on youth. It can be seen everywhere – geared to the youth, being young, looking young, restoring youth – but none of this is God’s plan: He has not designed life to work this way. He values old age, and He knows what He is doing. Always.

Do not be tempted to give in to society’s idea that – just in a man’s prime, just when he is truly ready to get started – it is time for him to “retire” and go play golf.

Alfred Montapert wrote concerning age:

Too old to be useful?

Don’t you believe it!

Only years make men. Rarely do the great men of history distinguish themselves before they are fifty, and between fifty and eighty they do their best work – both as regards to quality and quantity …

Noah Webster, when between sixty and seventy, performed the Herculean task of his life in the production of his dictionary …

Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (on his back, on a scaffold) when he was nearly ninety. (Alfred Armand Montapert, Success Planning Manual (1967), page 243).

“… The beauty of old men is the gray head” (Proverbs 20:29).

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Windber, PA