All Ashore That's Going Ashore!

“Are you afraid that you might not be able to hold on to the end and that after having thought yourself a child of God you should prove a castaway? If that is your condition, take this word of grace to the throne and plead it: “The mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you.” – C.H. Spurgeon

I served as a department head at a Christian retirement community from February 1983 to December 1993. During those almost 11 years, I experienced a lot of satisfaction as I tried my best as Director of Recreation to bring some joy into people’s lives.

Whether it was multi-day trips to places like Annapolis MD, Hershey PA, Newport RI, and the Hudson River Valley region of New York State… or simple day excursions to more local attractions in the Philadelphia area… or birthday parties, craft classes, and sing-a-longs for the less ambulatory people… there sure were a lot of bright spots. However, caring for the elderly and watching some of them begin to fail physically was very sad.

I remember one fine man who was a decorated Army vet. Knowing how much pride this gentleman took in his military service, I planned a special program for Veterans Day and asked him to be our guest of honor. I even arranged for our congressman to attend and say a few words. Tragically, my friend suffered a stroke just a week prior to the event and, although he was able to attend, I don’t think he was very aware of his surroundings.

Another gentleman who I got to know there was a retired missionary who had spent decades on the foreign mission field, making many personal sacrifices for the gospel’s sake. Now, in his final years, he was confined to his room, where he would pass away the hours simply staring out a window. As his mental faculties deteriorated, he would lapse into using profanity, uttering words I am sure he never once spoke when he was in his right mind.

But do you know what? I am confident that God fully understood and was aware of his condition… and loved him just the same. As Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6, God had begun a good work in this gentleman’s life, and He had likewise promised to complete it.

My friend, there’s a saying that – as I age – makes more and more sense to me. It’s simply this: “Old age isn’t for sissies.” Thankfully, God is more than capable of seeing us through our supposedly “Golden Years” and guaranteeing that we safely arrive at heaven’s shore.

“Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President