When I'm old and gray

This is a beautiful prayer about aging.  For those that are young, it will never happen.  For those of us who are middle-aged, it's becoming a reality.  And for those who are elderly, it's a prayer of hope.  Chuck Delaney, Dean of the New York Institute of Photography, told us not to bench ourselves.  He was encouraging us to not give up on photography but to keep at it.  Sometimes we don't feel like shooting, and all the flowers start to look the same.  As I get older, I need to keep from benching myself as well.  Each year the winter seems a bit colder.  There's a little something God has for all of us to do, even if it's as simple as praying for others.

Psalms 71
9 But don't turn me out to pasture when I'm old
or put me on the shelf when I can't pull my weight.

David's story with God, began as a young shepherd boy playing a harp, and tending his sheep.  In this Psalm he has a dream for his old age, he wants to keep telling the world about God.  No one is like Him.  I became a Christian at age 16, in two months I'll be 51.  Yikes!  The following verses seem very familiar to me.  Except, I have no ability to play a musical instrument whatsoever.  I do love to sing.

Psalms 71

17 You got me when I was an unformed youth, 

God, and taught me everything I know.  

Now I'm telling the world your wonders; 

18 I'll keep at it until I'm old and gray.  

God, don't walk off and leave me 

until I get out the news

Of your strong right arm to this world,

news of your power to the world yet to come,
19 Your famous and righteous 

ways, O God.  

God, you've done it all!

Who is quite like you? 

20 You, who made me stare trouble in the face,

Turn me around; 

Now let me look life in the face. 

I've been to the bottom; 

21 Bring me up, streaming with honors; 

turn to me, be tender to me,  

22 And I'll take up the lute and thank you

to the tune of your faithfulness, God.  

I'll make music for you on a harp, 

Holy One of Israel. 

23 When I open up in song to you, 

I let out lungsful of praise, 

my rescued life a song. 

24 All day long I'm chanting 

about you and your righteous ways,

While those who tried to do me in 

slink off looking ashamed.
THE MESSAGE