I have often wondered how many sunsets we actually get to see in our lifetime. I watched a beautiful sunset recently and noticed some older people coming down the beach to get a glance at a part of God’s creation. It reminded me of how our days are numbered in this life and that we should take every opportunity to enjoy nature and each other, because life here on earth soon fades just like this sunset.
The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. (Psalms 92:10 ESV).
I thought about the wisdom and insight that seniors and older people have to offer their children, grandchildren, or anybody younger to share some godly or practical counsel. Ask some of these precious souls how they did it. How have you gone through this life even with the scars that show. What were some of the highs and lows of your life thus far? Even during this pandemic or some of the political upheavals, how are the older folks getting through these trying times since they have experienced setbacks before like the riots or war back in the 1960s.
My late grandfather Biagio who was a barber in Malden center for well over 40 years. He told me he was in a fox hole for six months in the war when he fought for Italy back many moons ago almost 100 years. That was one of his most difficult times as a young man. It was his faith and hope in the Lord that got him through. A cigar or some vino helped to cope with the duress.
Personally, I believe I have gained much wisdom spending time with older and much wiser people that have helped me to build up faith and hope, because I have chosen to spend ( or invest time) in older people. They should not be forgotten and be respected because they still have something to offer our generation. I like to call them anchors which help us stay firmly rooted and grounded. Like a boat an anchor holds it down so it does not drift away.
When their life is over and the sun finally sets on their life, then its too late. However, the truths, the examples, the memories remain. Mentors are people who can help us along our journey as well. The ultimate mentor is God’s son Jesus Christ who can and will guide and direct our every step if we are humble enough to seek him out.
The Lord , the Mighty One, is God, and he has spoken; he has summoned all humanity from where the sun rises to where it sets.
Psalms 50:1 NLT
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.
Psalms 113:3 NIV
What I like about sunsets near the ocean or mountains is not just the amazing beauty of God’s creation, but it clears my mind to focus on the Lord. It offers hope to dream again and keep moving forward to make an impact in our world, even if it as small unseen gesture like visiting an older person who has not had company in a while. The reality is that both of us get blessed.
The sunset reveals to me a reminder that the sun shall rise again tomorrow. However, the beauty of tomorrow is that I can live in the present and not worry about tomorrow and that the Lord is us control of everything.
Today, or this week call somebody you know and say hello, stop and listen if you see them on the beach, in the supermarket, the work place, or at the doctor’s office. Maybe take them out for coffee, lunch, or take them for a walk and even a ride to go see another sunset! I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
The Watering Hole Journey 