“They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” — Psalm 92:14 (KJV)
This Saturday, November 14, I will celebrate my 73rd birthday! And rather than approaching this milestone with apprehension, I embrace it with a grateful heart, renewed purpose, joyful expectation, and unshakable faith in the God who has faithfully ordered my steps.
For 43 years, I had the privilege of serving as an educator, teaching lessons that extended far beyond the classroom. For 45 years, I have walked with the greatest Teacher of all—my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through seasons of triumph, disappointment, unexpected transitions, and the profound grief of widowhood, one lesson has remained constant: God has been faithful in every season, and He is not finished with me yet!
Society often describes aging as entering our twilight years, suggesting that our most productive days are behind us. But I refuse to view growing older as an invitation to retreat from life, diminish my expectations, or simply wait for eternity. Instead, I see this season as another opportunity to grow in wisdom, deepen my faith, embrace new assignments, and continue making a difference.
After all, retirement from a profession does not mean retirement from God's purpose!
As an educator, I always anticipated the beginning of a new school year with excitement. New students, new lessons, new challenges, and new opportunities awaited. Today, I approach my 73rd year with that same enthusiasm. I may no longer stand before students in a traditional classroom every day, but my calling to teach, encourage, mentor, minister, and serve remains alive and well.
Psalm 92:14 reminds us that we can continue bearing fruit in old age. What a beautiful promise! Our usefulness to God's Kingdom is not measured by our chronological age but by our willingness to remain available for His purposes.
Widowhood has taught me some of life's most difficult lessons. I have learned that earthly relationships, regardless of how precious, are not permanent. Yet even in loss, I have discovered that God's presence is constant, His grace is sufficient, and His promises are everlasting. Grief has changed portions of my journey, but it has not stolen my joy, silenced my praise, or extinguished my hope.
And while I understand that each passing birthday brings me closer to eternity, I do not approach that reality with dread. For those of us who belong to Christ, death is not the final chapter; it is the doorway to eternal life.
Jesus assures us in John 14:2-3 (KJV):
“In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
What a glorious promise! But until that appointed day, I intend to live—not merely exist—with purpose, gratitude, and expectation.
At 73, I still have dreams to pursue, lessons to share, books to write, people to encourage, and opportunities to embrace. I want my remaining years, however many God grants me, to reflect not what I have lost with age, but what I continue to gain through His wisdom, grace, and faithfulness.
To my family, church family, friends, former students, and everyone whose life has intersected with mine, thank you for being part of my journey. Each of you has contributed to the lessons, lives, and legacy that continue to shape my story.
So, what is the best lesson yet?
It is this: Growing older is inevitable, but growing in faith, wisdom, joy, and purpose is a choice. I choose to celebrate the years God has given me rather than mourn the years that have passed. I choose to anticipate what lies ahead rather than dwell on what is behind. Above all, I choose to trust the One who holds both my present and my eternity.
As Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV) reminds us:
“...forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Seventy-three is not the beginning of my ending. It is the beginning of another chapter in a story that God is still writing!
And as long as He continues to give me breath, I intend to keep learning, loving, serving, growing, and bearing fruit for His glory.
Happy 73rd birthday to me! The best is not necessarily behind me, and my greatest lessons may still be ahead!
Love you much! Be blessed, be prayerful, be vigilant, and stay in faith.
Shalom!