By Laura Lee Leathers
“Education is the best provision for old age.” – Aristotle
Education is essential for old age because it reduces memory loss and keeps cognitive skills sharp. Many community colleges offer arts, computer, cooking, and fitness classes. There are ballroom dancing, bridge, and financial courses about retirement planning or Social Security and Medicare. Churches provide Bible studies, mission endeavors, and teaching or tutoring opportunities.
But what class can you take to help you navigate growing older, make wise decisions, and finish well?
A syllabus to follow
Jesus is our Teacher, and He wrote our syllabus, the scriptures (John 1:1). The Word promises to give us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). The Word of God is our foundation and go-to for how to live, decision making (Proverbs 3:5-6), guidance (Psalm 25:4-5), wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), and truth (John 14:6).
We would be wise to study Psalm 90 and pray verse 12 daily: “Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts” (HCSB).
One of my favorite passages is from the book of Isaiah: “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (46:4, NKJV).
The older we grow, the more saturated our minds need to be with God’s Word. We never stop learning. His Word is living and active, meets our daily needs, and brings comfort and encouragement.
Recommended reading list
How many of us plan before reaching this season of our lives? As I have become a seasoned woman, I have sought out articles and books from those who have been there and done that. I recommend the following:
- “How to Finish the Christian Life: Following Jesus in the Second Half” by Donald W. Sweeting and George Sweeting. From the book cover: “Don looks forward to — even as George, his father, looks back upon — the years when a believer embraces the service of Christ with renewed focus and gospel hope.” My copy has underlines, notes written in the margin, and bookmarks. It provides a wealth of insight and information.
- “Retiring Well: Strategies for Finding Balance, Setting Priorities, and Glorifying God” by John Dunlop, MD. Dr. Dunlop offers a well-organized guide to retirement, with practical strategies about when to retire, identifying your purpose, defining rest and activity, and spiritual wellness.
- “Aging with Grace: Flourishing in An Anti-Aging Culture” by Sharon W. Betters and Susan Hunt. The book is based on Psalm 92 and geared toward women. The authors share personal stories, delve into the lives of older women in the scriptures, and show the importance of depending on God’s grace through suffering, changes, grief, and community, to name a few. A study guide is available.
- “Finish Line: Dispelling Fear, Finding Peace, and Preparing for the End of Your Life” by Robert Wolgemuth. With practicality and honesty, Wolgemuth shares from his heart and addresses the fear of death. The book is addressed to men, but ladies, don’t let that stop you. Wolgemuth takes a deep look into the lives of Abraham and Simon Peter as examples of how to finish well. The question is, “Are you ready?”
“Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.” – Unknown
Laura Lee Leathers is a writer and speaker. Imagine Lois Lane, over 65, living on a farm. Her metropolis is the area of freelance writing. Her primary love interest is the Word of God. She digs for information, interviews fascinating people, offers a cup of biblical hospitali-tea, encourages, and helps others with the how-to’s of life. Visit LauraLeeLeathers.com.