Tuesday Tidings, April 14, 2026

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“Even to your old age, I am he; even when you turn gray I will carry you.  I have made and I will bear; I will carry and I will save.” -Isaiah 46:4

There is a distinctive blessing in being young, you often do not need to think through the ravages of time; the way your mind and body are slowing; the way you begin to plan differently for your future.

There is a distinctive blessing in growing older… actually there may be several.

First, you appreciate time in a whole new way.  As the years accumulate, you no longer feel the need to rush through everything.  A new desire to savor time arises; conversations, events, and even holidays take on deeper value, more significance.

Secondly, as you make your way through middle age and beyond; you become much more adept at patiently and wisely contending with the complexities of life.

The elder saints in my life often utter a phrase that used to drive me crazy, but no longer does, “This too shall pass.”  The young may perceive this as surrender, resignation; it’s not.  As you get older, you simply begin to realize, it’s just flat out true.

“This too shall pass,” it’s not that you don’t care, you just come to realize that the most recent crisis simply cannot be overwhelming, because next week… yep, it’ll be something else, and those you love will need you to be equally present in those moments too.

Our prayer is that we have the wisdom to face every new set of challenges with more faithful dignity and less abject panic.

Finally, as you get older, at least in many cases; it seems like you get closer and closer to Christ.  Worship is more meaningful, study is more engaging, prayer is more intimate/conversational, times of service are highly valued, and opportunities for fellowship are less of a burden and more of a joy.

Maybe this is what folks mean when they say that they are aging, “grace-full-ly.”

Take a moment in the coming days and thank one of your elders for their faithful witness to the Gospel.              

Question for reflection: How has the grace of Christ reshaped the way you think about the world?

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

Mighty God, in this season of growth and renewal, empower us to see in Scripture inspiring insights; empower us to see evidence of your glory in your wondrous creation; empower us to see your Son in those it would be easier not to see.  In Christ’s name we pray, amen.