When we grow old, some of our self-worth diminishes right along with our ability to get up each day. Somewhere during middle age we become so busy  taking care of our family and building a life, we tend to forget about our own worth.   By the time we’re in the last stages of life we tend to lose faith in our abilities.

Life can be overwhelming when you’re going from one stage to the next. The same is true for us seniors as we see our lives melting away, our strength being sapped and our dependence on others growing. Heaven looks pretty good to most of us. I guess even kids who grow up in Christian families with strong Christian values sometimes find this world a tough place to understand. The emphasis placed on Heaven can make the thought of being there even more enticing.

The devil wants us to believe that we’re worthless – that either we aren’t capable of a good life or we’ve worn out our usefulness. He also wants us to believe that death is the only answer and if we end our lives, we’ll have eternal bliss. This is one of Satan’s biggest lies. God is the only One who can provide us with heaven.

Our lives have purpose no matter what our age. Young and old alike still have a lot to do. We need to work together to accomplish our goals. The young can bring enthusiasm to their elders – they can help them with the physical things they can’t do anymore. The elderly can give back some of their knowledge and wisdom though mentoring – they can advise on career paths – they can encourage their younger counterparts by helping them realize their potential and worth.  They have time to listen and counsel. I think that’s key to overcoming the generation gap.

When you feel you no longer have a purpose in this life, look to the One who treasures you beyond measure.  Put your faith in Him – not in yourself – not in the ways of this world. If you take life’s journey with God as your partner, He will give you a life with abundant joy. What is to come in heaven is the ultimate bonus – not an excuse for us to walk away from what God has planned for us.  He loves us so much that He made the ultimate sacrifice so that we would never die, but have eternal life.