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Community Corner

Never Too Old for Fruit

Are you still bearing fruit in your old age? (Whatever "old" is.)

Last week we had the privilege of celebrating my grandmother’s 97th birthday. She is such a blessing in our lives!

While we were trying to decide what to buy her for a gift, I came across an article I wrote about her more than years ago. To me, she is still a precious example of a woman of faith. In honor of her birthday, I’d like to print this article and dedicate it to her, Nellie Weaver. Grandma, I love you and I’m so blessed that at 97, you are still bearing fruit!

At my father’s wedding about a month ago, my Grandma fell and broke her hip. She was rushed to the hospital and had surgery the next morning. I got to the hospital as fast as I could, but she was so out of it, I doubt she even knew I was there.  That didn’t matter, though, because I knew I was there.

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And “there” was where I needed to be—right next to my Grandma.

You see, I love my Grandma Nellie with all my heart. I have so many wonderful memories of spending the night at her house, eating sugared oranges and bacon for breakfast. We’ve spent many hours talking about anything and everything. I don’t get to see her as much as I would like, but still—more than ever—I love my Grandma Nellie.

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When I finally got a chance to talk to her, she had something very interesting to say. She told me that when she opened her eyes, she was actually sad she was still here. She hoped that she would be in Heaven with the Lord. She was excited to see Jesus and ready to live with Him forever, but she realized that God still had plans for her here on earth. She wasn’t sure what He wanted her to do, but she would be willing and available to do whatever that might be.

When we finished our conversation and said our goodbyes, I began to ponder the words she shared with me. I was reminded of Psalm 92:12-14; “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.” 

My Grandma is 88 years old and I would say that she is still fresh, flourishing, and bearing fruit in her old age. She is willing to be used by God, however small or large the job. She has an excitement for the Lord that has grown over the last few years. To be able to sit and fellowship with my beloved Grandmother is one of the biggest blessings of my life. How thankful I am that we will spend eternity together with Jesus.

Are you still bearing fruit in your old age? (Whatever “old” is.)  Is your relationship with the Lord fresh; growing vigorously and abundantly? Are you willing to be used by God, no matter how young or old you are? I pray you haven’t taken a seat on the sidelines to watch others bear fruit. I pray that you continually ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into areas of service that would bless His heart. God has a purpose for you. If you are alive and breathing, there’s work for you to do.

The purpose of fruit is to bless others. I pray that you would bear much fruit as you yield your life to Christ. If you do, you will be fresh, flourishing and fruitful! 

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