Turning 50

Randy threw a big party for his wife, Salve, when she turned 50. “A golden Age has to be celebrated,” he told the guests.  

During the party, Salve candidly told some of her guests, “When Randy planned to celebrate my 50th birthday, it was like a wake-up call. I suddenly had a change of mindset; I used to think that people in their 50s were old. But here I am, feeling as young as ever!” 

“I am 60,” Ciony replied, “and I know that if the Lord would give me more years, I can still do something important.”  

That set everyone counting the number of productive years they might have left. Salve said, “I have 20 more years!” 

“Or even 30,” Ciony said. Then she quoted a Bible verse, “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty.” (Psalm 90:10 NLT) 

“We are all still young, then,” Salve said.  

In the book of Philemon, Paul, who was already of advanced age, wrote a letter requesting Philemon to take back his runaway servant, Onesimus. “. . . I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.” 

This was Paul’s attitude about serving the Lord even at an old age.  

Age 50 and beyond? 

Despite our limitations, grace is unlimited. It enables us to do what we can—no matter how small—for the Lord until He calls us Home.