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 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 laying 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 growing ever closer to being gone from this earth, becomes much more of a reality in my day to day thinking.  I question myself, as a parent, grandparent and friend who has sought to impart the old, old story of Jesus and His love to others, what is my responsibility in their lives now? The picture of Agnes, laying quietly ever vigilant at the barn door, has I believe, given me my answer.

I am still to be available, as much as possible, when those around me really need me. Mostly though, my responsibility is now to be an encourager.  To impart godly wisdom as I am asked for my advice, and to keep my mouth shut until I am asked, as this is an encouragement in itself as it reveals I have confidence in their abilities to work things out for themselves with God.  It is also to be vigilant in my watch over them.  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, 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 being rooted and established in love, they 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 to wait quietly and ever vigilantly at the door of prayer for others, no matter what our age may be.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada