by Pastor Douglas Brauner

The Grace of Aging

The Paint Mines near Calhan, Colorado are a splendid example of the power of erosion. Winter snow, summer thunderstorms, and constant wind shape the colorful clay that makes up this park.

As my back heals, I look forward to the day when I will once again visit this eastern high plain park, but will it look the same? Erosion happens quickly. I have given names to some of these formations. Will they still be there? Will Yoda and the headless camel still capture my imagination?

“…and even until old age I am he,
and until gray hairs I will bear,
I have made and I will carry;
I will bear and rescue.”
Isaiah 46:4

Aging is as powerful as erosion.

I have had two major surgeries in my life, and both have aged me. I am not the same person that I was before these surgeries. Some of you might think that I sound like Eeyore, that there is loss in aging. Yes, there is loss, but I don’t see aging as evil.

No, I can’t hit a golf ball 300 yards (I never could) and I can’t throw a baseball as fast as I once did, but with the aging process, God has revealed something wonderful that I wish I had grasped earlier in life; He is with me.

My hair is not graying as much as it is falling out, but with each loss, God reminds me of his presence made more firm for me in Jesus’ resurrection. Like the women at Jesus tomb, I am invited to come and see the place where they laid his body and with the eyes of faith see that he is risen and that he is with me until my end, even the end of the ages.

What God promises old people is also true of those who are beginning life’s adventure. Notice that through Isaiah God says that “even until old age,” The word “even” signifies that he is with us through every stage of life.

Your God is with you. He will bear and carry you throughout your life’s journey.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado