by Pastor Douglas Brauner

There’s a New Adventure Around the Corner

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.”
Titus 2:2 English Standard Version

There’s a subtleness to Paul’s words. It doesn’t sound like much, it might pass right over our heads, but it’s important, especially to a person like me who’s days away from being fully retired, one who is about to embark into the great unknown of grey-haired-ness (or in my case, few-haired-ness).

Paul doesn’t call these men old, but “older men.” There’s a big difference in mindset between the two. I’ve been around people who were old before they were old. People who acted like they were near death when they were a vibrant middle aged person. Since life is half over, they begin counting the days until, well, it actually is over.

I’ve also been around people who are in their 80’s and 90’s who still act like they’re a teenager. Who still smile, who still look forward to the future, who still give life to others.

This tree is an old, old tree, but it still gives. It produces oxygen. It still cleanses the air. It still grows leaves that turn color in autumn. It still gives shade, in fact, more of it now than when it was young.

I’m not old.

I’ve been on sabbatical the past four and a half months, and I’ve been dreaming about the next phase of my life. I’m looking forward to that future.

I don’t know what stage of life you’re in right now, but whether you are young, raising a family, at midlife, or finding the light growing brighter at the end of the tunnel, God isn’t finished with you. Your branches are still stretching out to make a difference because God’s love for you in Jesus still makes a difference.

You are redeemed, every breath you take and exhale is redeemed. And it’s not just that God isn’t finished with you yet. He has an amazing adventure waiting for you as well.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado