Devotional by Eleanor Gensolin Velasco
PUC Alumna, High School Class 1960
Why the term Sunset Years? Sunset signals the end of the day. It signals the end of the workday and rest from daily activities. As the sun goes down the horizon, darkness does not happen suddenly. Before darkness comes, a spectacular show of colors is displayed. One of the most colorful sunsets I have experienced was driving from Orlando to Avon Park some years back. Right about sunset, there was a dazzling display of spectacular colors on the horizon for several minutes. I was in awe. I considered myself privileged to have witnessed such a beautiful happening. Our old age is akin to sunsets.
The colors we see in the sunset symbolize a variety of things, such as love, compassion, reliability, joy, enthusiasm, trust, and loyalty. These attributes describe our Color Family. We are in our sunset years, but we are not ready to sink below the horizon, out of sight of those who need us. We are ready and willing to help enhance the atmosphere around for others by praying, encouraging, sharing our talents, showing kindness, expressing hospitality, and visiting the sick and lonely.
There are many Bible references about aging. Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Isaiah 46:4 says, “Even at your old age and gray hairs 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.” Psalm 30:5 – “For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
We all have different experiences growing up, but the two constants we all share in our lives are our Christian upbringing and PUC, where the Color Family started. There’s no question our parents brought us up the best they could, and our student days in PUC (the school that trains for service) greatly augmented that training.
In the movie “Fiddler on the Roof,” Tevye sings the moving song, “Sunrise, Sunset,” that mentions “swiftly fly the years. One season following another laden with happiness and tears” (Lyrics by Roger Witaker). This is so true.
As we spend the rest of our sunset years, we can still be productive. God gives us life to live to the fullest. The psalmist says, “They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing” (Psalm 92:14, NKJV). In Psalm 71, we read a devout man’s prayer, “Oh God, You have taught me from my youth, and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.”