Psalm 103:14-17b – For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place is no more, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.

I was sitting out on the porch quite early of a Saturday morning, enjoying the first coffee. The only other person stirring was an elderly man, making his painfully slow way towards the downtown area. His cotton cap was pushed firmly down around his ears, sunglasses sliding down his nose, and a cane helped steady his gait. Behind him he was pulling a wheeled shopping cart. Every shuffling step was a triumph of super effort. But he made progress. I watched him until he turned the corner out of sight. I've no doubt he finally reached his destination and re-stocked his dwindling supplies. I couldn't help thinking about the determination, the independence, the endurance that it takes to accept and make the best of the unexpected limitations of failing health and old age. For we never really believe that it is going to happen to us. But we don't have to do it alone.

Prayer: Lord, make me know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth; and my age is as nothing before thee: truly, every man at his best strength is but vapour. O spare me that I may recover strength before I go hence, and be no more. Amen. (Psalm 39:4,5,13)

Promise: The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23,24)

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