I am starting to read a book that was authored by a friend, Dr. Michael Parker. It is entitled A Vision for An Aging Church: Renewing Ministry by and for Seniors. Here’s an encouraging nugget in the prologue.

The majority of older Christians, by virtue of living so long, have experienced the hopelessness of soul that comes from self-reliance, when everything seems to be perishing and life has rubbed them “red raw.” They are, therefore, more likely to have learned to surrender God-ward than toward self-reliance when the storms of life come.

Hold us in quiet through the age-long minute

While Thou art silent and the wind is shrill:

Can the boat sink while Thou, dear Lord, art in it?

Can the heart faint that waiteth on Thy will?