MAX ON LIFE

22. I have to admit I'm not looking forward to growing old. I've worked in a nursing home for years, and this has only made me dread old age. This attitude doesn't seem to be rational, but I can't seem to accept the inevitable.

"Altogether, Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people." (Gen 25:7-8)

There's an expression in the Bible that has always fascinated me. When referring to someone's death, it says he died "full of years".

It's used to describe Abraham, Isaac and Job.

"Full of years" could mean lots of years. Abraham and Isaac lived tow of our lifetimes. That's a lot of years.

It could also express the idea that the years of their lives were full, busy with God's packed agenda. Maybe it means they died fulfilling all they set out to accomplish.

I don't know if I would want to live 180 years, but I know I want to live all the years of my life as if they were the last, and do everything I can to make sure they fulfill all God wants me to do.

I want to die fulfilled, having done everything I could with the time I had. If I'm in a nursing home, I want to lead Bible studies, Beatles sing-alongs, and square dances and make sure every resident there has a personal relationship with Christ while the synapses in my brain are still sparking and my hip bones are strong.

Getting old is inevitable. But are you going to hobble and groan your way to the grave or race your rickety old wheelchair downhill to your funeral? We're all going to end up the same way, but we can have fun getting there!

By: Max Lucado