I am continuing this series of quoted ponderings and Bible verses about growing older. I thought I'd be finished by now, but apparently I had collected more than I thought! No apologies, though. I am learning so much as I ponder. I hope that you are too.
(Click ~here~ to read others.)
Preparation for old age should begin not later than one's teens. A life which is empty of purpose until 65 will not suddenly become filled on retirement. ~ Dwight L. Moody
Thought provoking! From a small child, I have always felt God's purpose and calling for my life. I’m sure accepting Christ at a very early age made a difference and I’m so grateful for that. What would prove to be a strange and scary childhood was made to be God’s way of using me to take care of my siblings. God always has a plan but gives us a choice in either following it or not. I’m going back now to see what posts I’ve missed.
ReplyDeleteGod is so merciful! What a wonderful thing to trust in His plan for your life . . . even the difficult parts! Thanks for joining the conversation, Linda.
DeleteA wise thought from Dwight Moody. He is right that it is best to develop hobbies and faith from an early age so retirement will not be empty.
ReplyDeleteA life well-lived continues to be well-lived in old age!
DeleteI've loved being able to tell my own children how God has all their days prepared for them, and that they were made for a purpose. This has put them way ahead of where I was at their ages. I found my confidence in who God made me to be in my 40's. I want to continue my God given work of encouragement, mentoring, hospitality until I die.
ReplyDeleteYes, I love that Deanna, this idea of teaching and leading our children to fulfill their calling . . . from now through old age!
DeleteGod's purpose is the engine that motivates. It's never to late to ask for His grace and guidance.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you there, Martha Ellen! Although it is better to prepare for the days to come, I believe that His mercy meets us where we are!
DeleteOkay, I respect Dwight L. Moody’s teachings, but I could not disagree with that quote much more. It is most healthful for us to walk with The Lord through all our days starting young, but focusing on old age as a teenager is unnecessarily morbid and joy robbing. Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10: 10
ReplyDeleteHave I missed something here? š
... perhaps measuring our days while young will make significant intentions as one grows older. not sure i shared that 'right' .. maybe i need coffee. it's near 5pm in my world. hm.
DeleteVee, thanks for your thought-provoking comment! I did not take that quote to mean anything morbid (as in focusing only on old age from the teen years onward). My understanding of Mr. Moody's words is that by living our lives with meaning and purpose, we have naturally prepared ourselves for our older years. Conversely, ff we spend our years on trivial pursuits, then our older years will be empty of meaning.
DeleteEcclesiastes 12 came to mind, "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth . . . " and " Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."
What do you think?
Maybe I am overthinking...if this means seeking God for direction while young...Of.Course...That goes without saying for Believers...we must seek His guidance every day of our lives young, old, and older.
Deletei just read this on another blog that i think carries weight in this post, in that reading then re-reading then holding a quote close to heart ..
ReplyDelete"All truly wise thoughts have been thought already a thousand times; but to make them really ours we must think them over again honestly, till they take firm root in our personal experience."
~ Wolfgang von Goethe
Wow. That is a powerful thought. Especially as it pertains to the Living Word . . . thinking it over "until they take firm root in our personal experience."
DeleteI think I would agree. A modified Carpe Diem. Seize the day with thoughts of preparing for the future, too. Train up a Child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for pondering this with us, Ellen!
DeleteHopefully we raise our children to know the purpose of life, and to be involved in serving others. Then that can easily evolve into the same patterns in the later years. Good quote!
ReplyDeleteThat is a good word for that concept: "patterns." I think that is what Mr. Moody is saying here. Making purposeful decisions in youth sets the patterns for the years to come.
ReplyDelete