Faithful Aging: Responding to God's Call in Retirement Years

When Jesus was born there were people in Jerusalem who were longing for a savior, who lived faithful lives of service and expectation. Two of these people were Anna and Simeon (Luke 2:25-38). Anna was a widow who became familyless and lived her life praying and serving in the temple. Simeon was a faithful man who was filled with the Holy Spirit, who was told by God that he would not die before seeing the messiah. Both of them are there when Jesus is brought to be baptized and after years of faithful serving and waiting, they receive the joy of meeting Jesus. God received the gift of their humble, faithful lives and said in a way, “well done, good and faithful servants.” 

Simeon en Anna -Jan van 't Hoff

Our society provides us many examples of elders who are not like Anna and Simeon, who put their energy and longing elsewhere, who focus on themselves and live for comfort and pleasure. We need Anna and Simeon as role models, to show us a different possibility. For those of us who are middle-aged or younger, Anna and Simeon provide us wonderful examples of what it means to age well, to live out our lives yearning for and seeking the Lord. May we all become elders like Anna and Simeon. 

And so I ask, is it possible? What does this look like in our time and place? Who are the elders today who are like Anna and Simeon? Who do we know who live like this, giving their lives to the Lord, serving in humble devotion? Have a look at your church, open your eyes and you will likely see them. 

At my church, we have a wonderful couple, who embody Anna and Simeon in so many ways. Roy and Susie Wong. Roy and Susie are retirees who have not retired in the Lord. For years, Roy has volunteered as the bookkeeper for the church as well as several other ministries. For many years, Susie has been an elder, served on the session, has been in charge of setting up the paraments and communion elements at church, and has made the liturgical banners, always ensuring they are set up properly for the liturgical season. Additionally, Susie volunteers her time providing health care counseling for seniors and those in poverty. 

Roy and Susie

Filled with joy in the sanctuary

Together, they host small groups in their home, mentor those joining the church and constantly find ways to give and serve, behind the scenes, humbly and with little fanfare. When the church started a school, they were there, providing countless hours, doing things like accounting, providing snacks, tutoring, and leading learning labs. They do so many things that it seems like they “never leave the temple,” serving and praying night and day, just like Anna. 

I sense that the Lord delights in Roy and Susie, that the Lord receives their love, service, and devotion. He says to them, “well done, good and faithful servants.”

Roy at work

Preparing the snacks for Rise University Preparatory!

I’m grateful for Anna and Simeon, Roy and Susie. May their number increase! May we be inspired to offer our lives to the Lord in similar ways. May we who are younger become Anna and Simeon in our generation. May we long for the Lord’s salvation and experience that salvation breaking into our lives. May we hear from the Lord, “well done, good and faithful servants.”

© Dale Gish 2019. All Rights Reserved.