1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray continually. (NIV)

Agnes is very old for a goat. Yet, she has done a wonderful job acting as foster mom to our five adopted goat kids. I have very much enjoyed watching her mothering skills and how the kids have responded by trusting her and obeying. As of late, however, I have noticed that she has a new mentoring tactic. In the morning, the little ones now run out of the barn ahead of her, instead of behind her. At first, they would enter the yard, but when Agnes did not follow, they would begin calling to her and become agitated when she did not come. Agnes, however, was unperturbed and remained lying inside the barn door where she could call out encouragement to them and they could be reassured by seeing her. Thus, over the weeks, the kids have become more independent and are calling to Agnes less and less. Agnes, however, remains vigilant in her watch over them from her spot at the door.

Agnes' latest behaviour reminds me that I, too, am aging. With age, the knowledge that I am coming ever closer to my departure from this earth becomes much more of a reality in my day-to-day thinking. As a parent, grandparent, and friend who has sought to impart the old, old story of Jesus and His love to others, I question myself: What is my responsibility in their lives now?

The picture of Agnes lying quietly at the barn door, ever vigilant, has, I believe, given me my answer, which is likely to be applicable in your life also, whatever your age. I am still to be available, as much as possible, when those around me really need me. Like Agnes, my responsibility is now to be an encourager — to impart godly wisdom when I am asked for my advice, and to keep my mouth shut until I am asked, for this is an encouragement in itself as it reveals that I have confidence in their ability to work things out for themselves with God. My responsibility is also to be vigilant in my watch over them, especially vigilant in prayer: prayer to uplift them when they are struggling; prayer for healing when the world has harmed them; prayer for guidance as they seek God's will in their lives; and prayer "that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen [them] with power through his Spirit in [their] inner being, so that Christ may dwell in [their] hearts through faith. And … that [they], being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that [they] may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV)

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the responsibility, opportunity, and privilege, no matter what our age may be, to wait quietly and ever vigilantly at the door of prayer for others. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.