“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree… They will flourish in the courts of God… They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing” (Psa. 92:12-13). Let’s learn a lesson from the palm tree. The palm tree flourishes and brings forth fruit in old age. It not only brings forth, but brings forth the best fruit. The older the tree the sweeter the fruit. It is remarkable that it grows in the desert where wheat, barley and corn refuse to grow. The sun seems to parch everything but the palm tree. It is unaffected by its surroundings. When you find an oasis place, there you will find a palm tree. (Ex.15:27).
The Arabs say, “It stands with its feet in salt water and its head in the sun.” The palm tree does not grow from the sand but finds nourishment from salt water below. A thirsty traveler cannot drink the bitter water of the oasis, but he can tap the palm tree to quench his thirst. Only the palm tree changes brackish salt water into a drink of life, strength, and sweetness. During hurricanes, some tie or hold on to the palm tree for safety. During storms the palm may bend but it will not break. The palm tree remains steadfast when other trees break, fall or uproot. In the winter its leaves remain. During the summer heat, it remains the same. Unlike other trees in all seasons it has no seasonal change.
Good News! “The Census Bureau reports that there were 41.4 million people age 65 or older in the USA in July 2011, up from 40.3 million in April 2010. The number of seniors is projected to reach 92 million by 2060, with 18.2 million age 85 or older.” Yea! We are no longer a minority, but we are now a majority. It seems some foreign countries, especially the far east, reverence, honor and value the wisdom of ancient ones. While in America it seems some put down, push aside, ignore, bypass or overlook the seniors. The Bible gives 195 verses that respect, honor, and value the elders (1 Tim. 5:1; 5:2; 1 Pet. 5:5).
More good news! There are now more of us than ever before. Let’s say to this world, “See me, I am still here.” Great News! In our old age we can still flourish and produce our best fruit. We may be old but we still have value and usefulness. Let’s plant our feet and proudly raise our heads toward the sun. Let’s flourish with fruit. Let’s become sweeter, stronger and sensitive to those around us. Let’s be a consistent Christian in all seasons. Let’s stay strong in the storms. We may bend but we will not brake. Let’s mentor, advise, teach, encourage, and be a good example to the coming generation. Let’s be “there” to refresh and encourage weary travelers to continue their journey. Don’t complain but remain. Be better not bitter. Stay Sweet. Decide to make a difference.
Let’s learn a lesson from the palm tree.
