It reminds me of the way a lady in her mid-fifties once introduced herself to me, \u201cI\u2019m old, fat, and ugly.\u201d August\u2019s ninety degree weather with its ninety-nine percent humidity hadn\u2019t yet passed, but her words had her bundled up in scarf and gloves like February snow had avalanched her in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I heard the message again today from another lady, \u201cHe\u2019s too old to find another job. Who would hire him now at his age?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are they really telling me? Change is off-limits for anyone fifty and over? Settling for misery is delegated to a certain age bracket and becomes age-appropriate behavior? I\u2019m not a participant in my health or life pursuits?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Should I book a double knee-replacement right away, find a good deal on a recliner, learn to watch more news, complain about the world, and strive for a sedentary existence? Is this an age-demographic persona we take pride in, while chiding the younger generation for not wanting to work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We model the next generation into their current form more than we can lecture them into our ideals. Either our values are walked out, or they\u2019re mere fantasies talked about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I do a hard about-face. I reject these notions. This contrary outlook clarifies and solidifies my own convictions. The Maker of life does not grow bored with our days and turn His focus on a newer, shinier person to become engaged with, leaving us to putter aimlessly through a dull existence, shelved until death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I step outside. My rose garden waves me over and dramatizes the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early June was its prime blooming window. Its strength and beauty shine brightest then. Yet, here we are, late in the season, on the brink of pumpkin-love with orange and brown on our minds, shades of pink so Yesterday. If roses were retail clothing, they\u2019d be in the clearance section. They\u2019re expired. Out of season. But we\u2019ve had significant rainfall this summer. The consistent watering that roses really crave caused them to flourish beyond their stereotypical expectations. They\u2019re outperforming themselves, growing at an unprecedented rate in an unlikely season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are still producing. Still beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look how you\u2019ve made all your devoted lovers to flourish like palm trees, each one growing in victory, standing with strength!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve transplanted them into your heavenly courtyard, where they are thriving before you, for in your presence they will still overflow and be anointed.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Even in their old age they will stay fresh, bearing luscious fruit and abiding faithfully.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Listen to them! With pleasure they still proclaim: \u201cYou\u2019re so good! You\u2019re my beautiful strength! You\u2019ve never made a mistake with me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n (Psalm \u202d92:12-15\u202c\u202c\u202c)<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.mondayministry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rose.jpg?resize=194%2C241&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n