Over 43 years ago, when I reached the age of 40, I was reminded by many that at 40, you were considered “over the hill.”

It meant that the best part of your life was over. Today, many people believe that, but I don’t.

Recently, I heard a message by Pastor Charles Stanley, who is now 85 years old and the founder of In Touch Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia. The title was “How to Stay Young and Useful all of your life.”

He quoted Psalm 92: 12-15. “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age. They shall be fresh and flourishing to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”

The tree is so named because its leaf somewhat resembles the palm of the hand. A leaf of such a tree carried or worn as a symbol of victory, triumph, joy, etc.

The message was for the committed Christian. He shared that many people look forward to retirement and think they are finished.

When that attitude takes over one’s life, the person begins to quit being useful. If you’re not useful, you’re only existing, not living.

The message concluded with the following eight keys to staying young and useful the rest of your life:

Keep Learning — If you don’t, you begin to decay.

Keep Loving —– Love God and others.

Keep Laughing — Your body and mind respond to joy in your life.

Keep Living —— Be positive.  Leave the past behind.

Keep Looking —- You’re never too old to quit dreaming.

Keep Laboring —  Continue working for the Kingdom.

Keep Learning —- Trust God in all things.

Keep Listening —  Ask God for wisdom and direction.

We have to keep in mind that God’s not finished with us and wants us to flourish as the palm tree.

If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.