Today I turn 65. That means I get Medicare and Social Security income assistance — a milestone for many Americans. Funny there isn’t a 65th birthday card that says, “Congrats. You’ve paid into the system all of your life. Now reap the benefits.”

When I turned 21, I relished in the fact it meant independence. It is what I’d strived for as I grew up and slowly distanced myself from needing my parents. Age 30 meant I’d finally arrived at adulthood and could be taken seriously. At 40, I was supposed to be in my prime. On my 50th birthday, society deemed me to be wise, settled, and mature. Isn’t it interesting how we place such emphasis on age.

Approaching 65, I‘d slipped into the anticipation of becoming dependent again. Of course, by the time I reach 80, “Depends” will have a totally different meaning. But God tapped my shoulder and reminded me Who I should be dependent upon, no matter my age.

I have a picture of a child’s hand clutched inside its father’s hand. It reminds me that no matter what the calendar says, we should never be further than a hand stretch away from our Lord.

Our loving Father is always there through every milestone. We never outgrow the need for Daddy to comfort, guide, and correct our path. We may mature in faith, but we are never to think we are now able to go it alone. Jesus didn’t while He walked in human flesh. Why would we try?

Heavenly Father, forgive me when I try to be independent and strike out on my own, or strive to become dependent on human systems instead of upon you. You know my every need, and you also know what will happen today and tomorrow. Remind me to trust in you and to lean on you for understanding, following the example Jesus set while He was on earth. Amen.

Go Deeper — Think about what you are dependent upon at this stage in your life. Is that a good thing?

Read Further — What defines your identity and your purpose?



Tags: Grow Colossians 2
Photo Credit: Kenan Kitchen