Field guide · Crossings
Us with Godand Getting Older
Forecast: gradual cooling, more candles on the cake, and wisdom accumulating overnight.
Four tired ways to walk
Each has some truth in it. None of them is the whole story.
Under GodSheep that hide from the Shepherd
Time is running out to get my life right with God.
Over GodSheep that know the way
Eat clean, stay sharp, keep moving, and I can hold this off a long time.
From GodSheep that follow the grass
Getting older is just losing things, one at a time.
For GodSheep trying to be the sheepdog
I have to accomplish something that matters before it’s too late.
Numbering our days is a way of spending each one with him.
Moses prayed, “Teach us to number our days” (Ps 90:12), so that we might gain a heart of wisdom. Counting the days makes them precious. Our bodies wear out, and Paul didn’t pretend otherwise, yet he said inwardly we are being renewed day by day (2 Cor 4:16). The righteous “will still bear fruit in old age” (Ps 92:14). A birthday is a fine day to thank him for the whole year we just spent together.
Where the Shepherd isHe has promised every one of our days. “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life” (Ps 23:6).
Today, or on your next birthday, write down one way God was with you this past year.
Lord, what would you like to do with the years I have left?
Fellow travelers
People in Scripture who walked this ground before us.
- Caleb, at eighty-five, asked for the hill country and said he was still as strong as the day he set out (Josh 14:10–12).
- Sarah laughed at the idea of a baby in old age, then laughed again for joy when Isaac came (Gen 18:12; Gen 21:6).
Keep walking
- With God: Sheep that know his voicethe posture every entry points to
- Which Way Are You Walking?a short self-check
- The Field Guideevery entry, by terrain, weather and crossing