Since my youth, o God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds, even when I'm old and gray. Do not forsake me, o God, till I proclaim your power to the next generation. Psalm 71, verses 17 and 18 my wife celebrates her birthday today. How old is she, you ask? Well, according to her driver's license, today she is a year older than me. She wears her age well, though still has most of her teeth, and is not quite ready for the home just yet. In honor of my wife and all those happy birthdays, heres a painful thought I want to toss your aging is a reality for everyone, and the years pass quickly. While turning the page on the calendar this month, my wife remarked, did you know that July only has two days in it? It sure seems that way, doesnt it? How quickly time flies. And if you dont already know that youre getting old, here are a few things to remind you of the fact you belong to a gym. But dont go. You begin to outlive enthusiasm. You cant stand people who are intolerant. Burning the midnight oil means staying awake until 09:00 p.m. You turn off the lights for economic reasons rather than romantic reasons, you look forward to a dull evening at home. Most of us are less than thrilled about growing old. In fact, many wont admit to growing old and do everything they can to hide from the reality. They color gray hair, cover up wrinkles, and try to keep up the same pace and do the same things they did when they were 20 years younger. The attempt is futile. We cant stop the clock. The hands of time keep moving, dragging us along, even though we go kicking and screaming. The years pass. Our bodies weaken. Eyesight dims, hearing fades, arthritis sets in, our muscles get sore, and we tire more easily. Going to the gym is torture. Even getting up to walk across the room feels life threatening. Aging isn't for cowards, and it takes a toll on us, physically and mentally. All of you young whippersnappers out there might not understand any of this now, but trust me, the day is coming when you will. Jill Briscoe put aging into perspective in a message I heard her give a while back. She said that all of the aches and pains that we experience as we grow older are simply reminders that we are getting closer to receiving the promise of eternity that God has given to those who love him. The things we experience while aging are reminders that something much better is coming, and we are closer to it than ever before. So happy birthday to the young, and to the young at heart, remember, better things are yet to come. So even if you are old and gray, continue declaring the power of God to everyone, just as you did in the days of your youth.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com. Have a great day, and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as Pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.