But don't turn me out to pasture when I'm old or put me on the shelf when I can't pull my weight. (MSG)
The NIV says that Psalm 71 is a prayer for God's help in old age when enemies threaten because they see that the king's strength is waning. And in verses 9-13, David is praying to God for his continuing help in the waning years of his life.
I've been working for an independent living retirement home for the past 7 months. I've held various positions due to vacations, illness' or just needing extra help and because of working in different areas, I've come to know some of the residents very well. Most of them are in the late 80's to mid 90's. A few are younger and one will be 108 in October.
Some came into family money and others made wise money decisions. Some have been able to travel extensively, have a summer home and in the end, have been able to choose where they want to live. They have incredible stories to tell and their knowledge of life in general is amazing to listen to.
However, there are other residents who had to work hard for every dollar, they made ends meet by being resourceful, they fought in WWII and Korea and there are a few women who were Army nurses during the war. They have incredible stories to share and even though the stories are different than those who came from money, they are no less interesting. But some of these residents have been unable to choose where to live as their children/family or guardians have decided to 'put' them at the home because they don't want to deal with them and some of these people never get to see their families. They just don't come around or call and it's sad to see them alone.
Each and every one of these residents are gifts from God. Whether they come from money and choose to live where they do or whether they depend on family members and are 'put' where they are, each one has a life lesson to be taught. The things we can learn from all of them can help us through anything we may encounter in life.
Think about how we want to be treated when we are older. Think about how we treat the older people now? Do we turn them out to pasture? Do we put them on a shelf? Or do we embrace them as valuable individuals.
I know God won't put us out, he won't leave us ever. He will never forget us and put us on a shelf or out to pasture. Never..
Nancy
