The Gifts of Age: Planning Your Legacy

The more years you live, the more wisdom you gain. As you go through life, the challenges you face and obstacles you overcome give you insight and understanding. Sometimes, you may feel that you have nothing to offer others, but in the right places and with the right people, your legacy of wisdom can be a great gift.

Offering a blessing through your legacy

In Luke 2:25-38, both Simeon and Anna offer a beautiful picture of faithfulness in old age. They are present in the temple because of their deep love and devotion to God. They offer words of prophecy and blessing to Mary and Joseph. Anna is said to be a known prophet and had likely prayed for many young children who were presented at the temple.

Simeon is a man open to the prompting of the Spirit, doubtless the reaction of years of prayer and meditation. Their gifts are generously bestowed upon the earthly parents of the Incarnate God.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

There is a great deal of power in offering words of blessing and encouragement to the younger generation. When you have faithfully lived and walked with God, you are more aware of the way that God works through different challenging seasons.

Be faithful in praying for the ones who are coming behind you in life. As an older person, most likely retired with time on your hands, you can use that time to become a person who prays for the ones who often feel overwhelmed by the tasks of daily living. Ask the people you love if there are specific ways that you can pray for them.

Send a note of encouragement to someone younger in their faith. Noticing how God is at work in their lives is a powerful form of encouragement. If you have the time, the means, or the ability, try to offer practical help to younger people.

A grocery gift card could help a college student or a young family. Offer a single parent an oil change. Take on a volunteer role in your community. There are many ways you can provide support for the people who need it.

Planning your legacy

You are making choices right now about how to leave a legacy. This could be anything from financial to sentimental. Having a good financial plan in place will ease your days and those who may need to care for you. Make as many legal and medical arrangements ahead of time as you can. This will relieve stress for yourself and for others.

In addition to leaving a practical legacy, there is an emotional legacy to consider. The story of your life, the accumulation of years of photos and memorabilia, all of these are a legacy requiring some sorting.

How to share your stories and your wisdom

There are several fabulous ways to preserve family photos and videos. Rather than have albums and boxes for your children and grandchildren to sort through, you can curate a collection you want to share. Research different digital preserving options for your treasured memories.

A journal prompting program couple help you with storytelling if you feel a lack of confidence as a writer. There are both print and online options to give you prompts for sharing your stories. You should also ask questions of others. Other’s memories may surprise you. Be open to surprises along the way, and make peace with the hard conversations that will inevitably come up.

Learn new tech, even if it’s challenging. Your grandkids are probably happy to feel like they have some knowledge, and it can be amazing to share about the ways things have changed. Building a relationship with the younger generation is going to be complicated at times, but people will remember how you made them feel. When you give people time and attention, they will know that they are valued.

How not to share your experience and wisdom

Don’t talk about the past as it was better than the present. There is no faster way to shut down a conversation than to set aside your curiosity for today.

Don’t offer unsolicited advice. You may have wisdom and insight to offer, but it can come across as criticism if you jump in before someone is ready to receive your words.

Don’t assume that your advice is unwanted. Building a relationship first helps you become someone whom people seek advice from. If they ask, give freely.

Don’t be stingy with your advice or time. It is okay to have limits, but if yours are too stringent people will stop coming to you.

Living an expectant life

Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he. I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. – Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)

While the average life expectancy in America is about 80 years of age, no one truly knows how long he or she will live. Your body will break down, perhaps slowly or perhaps quickly. However, that does not mean you need to live a life in fear and hiding.

Find delight and joy where you can. Savor the days you feel strong and rest on the days you are tired. Build relationships in prayer and in person, and leave your cares in the hands of the God who has promised to sustain you.

If you have burned bridges and caused harm, take some time to mend broken relationships. That path can be a difficult one to walk. Lean on the grace of God to guide you through the challenge and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.

Seeking counseling for aging issues

While you may be sought after for your wisdom, there could be areas you feel unprepared to handle. The counselors at Sunnyvale Christian Counseling are here to guide you through practical decisions and difficult relationships. Call our offices today to arrange an appointment.