My father is turning 90 soon. That shouldn’t be a surprise. He’s been 89 for a while. Still, age has a way of sneaking up on a person.
Our family is throwing a party later this month. One of my sisters took care of renting a room at my parents’ church. My brother assembled a guest list. One sister put together a menu. One sister is preparing to emcee the event. The great-grandchildren will sing. My contribution is a trivia quiz which we’ll use as an icebreaker. I’m also scanning a lot of old photos.
(Have you done similar events? Any suggestions or words of wisdom?)
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ve met my Dad a dozen times over the past eight years. He has guest blogged and even has his own tag.?Here was a blogpost?about folding socks. Last May he wrote about an honor flight. I’ve also chronicled a few trips we’ve taken. Just this past summer we went up to Pictured Rocks. And this blogpost is one of my favorites in the “conversations with strangers” category, about going to the supermarket with my Dad.
How fortunate I am to have both of my parents at this advanced age! I am just pausing to savor the experience. My heart is full of gratitude.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place?in all generations.?Before the mountains were brought forth,?or ever you had formed the earth and the world,?from everlasting to everlasting you are God.?You turn us back to dust,?and say, ?Turn back, you mortals.??For a thousand years in your sight?are like yesterday when it is past,?or like a watch in the night.?You sweep them away; they are like a dream,?like grass that is renewed in the morning;?in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;?in the evening it fades and withers.?For we are consumed by your anger;?by your wrath we are overwhelmed.?You have set our iniquities before you,?our secret sins in the light of your countenance.?For all our days pass away under your wrath;?our years come to an end like a sigh.?The days of our life are seventy years,?or perhaps eighty, if we are strong;?even then their span is only toil and trouble;?they are soon gone, and we fly away.?Who considers the power of your anger??Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.?So teach us to count our days?that we may gain a wise heart. ? ~ Psalm 90