Fruitful to the End
Carolyn’s mother (my mother-in-law) is almost 93 years young. She drives herself and is always trying to help someone. She goes to quilting every Thursday and visits people in nursing homes and hospitals. She is one amazing woman!
This week, Carolyn and I visited Zion UMC in Yorktown. As we talked with people about investing and being good stewards, I realized that I was talking to a group in their 80’s. They told me how many 80th birthdays they have celebrated, and I was amazed. These people were older but full of energy. They told me how they build things for vacation Bible school, how they take care of the church and how they serve in many capacities. They were amazing, and it was fun to be with them!
Psalm 92:12-15 describes the budding, blossoming and fruit-bearing of lives rooted in a right relationship with God. The psalmist captures a sense of vitality, prosperity and usefulness. When we see in our lives the budding and blossoming fruit of loving, sharing, helping and leading others to Christ, we should rejoice! For the Israelites, long life was considered a reward and blessing from God. Psalm 92 celebrates that blessing, capturing the gratitude of those who’ve experienced a lifetime of walking with God.
For those of us who are labeled “senior” or “seasoned,” it’s never too late to take root and bear fruit. My mother-in-law and the people at Zion UMC are good examples and testimonies of how we are to live in God’s goodness and share it with others.
Psalm 92:14 – “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Adobe iStock