When we become aged, the truth is it is hard...but their are promises

I have been reading Billy Graham's book, Nearing Home, Life, Faith, and Finishing Well. I don't have a label nearing home, I cover heaven from time to time under walk with God. My perspective is of a 60 year old trying to live healthier longer before the time comes when our body fails us and we go to be with the Lord. Dr. Graham's perspective is on "I have already done that and now I am aged and soon I will be with the Lord." I think we are writing the same way but at different times of our lives. He shares his insights on how to walk with the Lord and encourage others and not give in and give up. There is a reality of being aged where medicine, lifestyle changes, fitness have there limits. But we can always turn to the Lord regardless of our circumstances.
One of the troubling things about aging, sickness and death is the suffering that comes with it.  It is hard to see it in others and it is harder to experience it. Dr. Graham has lived into his 90's. His wife Ruth lived to 87. Her suffering and death had to be the hardest experience in Dr. Graham's life. Their faith helped him live these 5 years. I have been listening to Dr. Louis Perry Chafer of Dallas Theological Seminary and he was teaching, (the tapes are very insightful) he was aware he was dying. He was taking strong sedatives to help with the pain. He was in his 70's and he was aged. Dr. Francis Schaeffer was dying of cancer in his 70's and he was still writing. He is one of may favorite authors. The Apostle Paul was in his 60's when he described himself as aged in Phillemon 9. Friends and family have experienced being aged at different ages. It is hard to see the suffering that comes with it.

Some people give up, some struggle or lose faith; it is painful to experience. I liken it to my present struggle, some won't walk or change the way they eat, they give up. Other people find a way to make walking a part of their lives. Still others learn to portion their food. Others make peace with veggies and find ways to include them in their diet. Simple changes make a huge difference in how we experience getting older. Then there is the faith part and emotional part of our lives that need mending. Complicated as it is there is always hope and help. In all stages of life their is a great promise Jesus gives us.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). Keep walking