He retired from a forty-four-year career a year ago. During his last working year, he and his wife moved to another state. She lived in the new state, while he remained in the city of his birth working until the end. He then packed up what little he had left in the city and joined her in their new retirement home. Oh. It took a few months for him to feel at home. As someone who was fully entrenched in work that he loved, he was stuck trying to figure out what to do next.
He knew he had one love that had been instilled in him from a very young age. Music. He began piano lessons at age five, but he couldn’t quite master getting both hands to play something different at the same time. So, he moved to wind instruments. And he learned to play all of them.
His main instrument was the oboe. That oboe got him through high school and college, but then it fell by the wayside. After years of sitting in the closet, it will soon move into someone else’s hands. But the love for the saxophone has hung on like a bad attitude not wanting to be healed. After twenty years of not playing the sax, he picked it up again to play in the church’s worship band. Lo and behold, the man is talented.
During the early months of his retirement, he began talking about an idea of using his saxophone to bless others. He would play music programs at senior homes. Nursing homes, retirement homes, assisted living, memory care. Those types of senior homes. Yet, he lived in a new state and had no contacts who might be able to guide him. He decided to pursue the idea, anyway.
After he researched oldies music, he created several themed programs and started making phone calls. And he was able to get events scheduled. Three short months ago, he played his first concert. Now his calendar is full. Many places have asked him to schedule recurring events. Once a month. Twice a month. Next month, he’s playing at one home three times. These people love him.
Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. Psalms 92:14
At the end of each program, he takes time to talk to the residents. And they have much to say. Seeing that he’s a good twenty years younger than they are, he tries to find a connection with them. Oh. He’s heard many a good story already. Just last week, he overheard one woman tell her friend that she is “so sick of violins.” So, apparently, they get a lot of violinists at their home. A saxophone concert is a nice change of pace. And at one home a couple of weeks ago, an elderly woman sat and cried throughout the entire program. When a worker asked if she was ok, she said that the music was just so beautiful.
Many of these people sing along to the tunes of their youth. One woman said that the music she heard was music she and her husband might have danced to when they were younger. Several people have made the same request for one song. They want to hear “Yakety Sax” by Boots Randolph. Unfortunately, that song hasn’t made its way into any of the programs. But the songs that resonate most with this elderly generation are the hymns. This generation attended church and sang hymns every Sunday, and they love them. After one hymn was played, one gentleman said that that particular song was going to be played at his funeral one day. He was glad he could hear it one more time. Just the other day, one man asked before the music started how many hymns were going to be played.
Music has a calming, soothing effect on older hearts. On hearts nearing the end of life. And it jogs the memory of earlier days when youth was still on their side. Music connects one person to another in ways never imagined. And music connects souls to God at the most trying days of life. Music is God’s gift to those who share it and also to those who listen.
My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Psalm 57:7
This man who is finishing his first year of retirement has also joined the worship team at church, and he plays a couple of times a month. He’s also been asked to join a couple of bands in the area. Summer concert season is fast approaching, so he is planning a full schedule of music. I think his retirement is going well, so far. I hope and pray he has many more years of providing enjoyment to others, as he uses his God-given gift of music.
I tell you this story, because this man isn’t one to call attention to himself. But his music has a way of touching the heart. His music may have sat idle for many years, but he has found a way to refresh his gift and use it to minister to others. May we all do the same in our senior years. We must use our gifts and talents to glorify God and serve others.
Young people are told not to waste their youth. Well, we should flip that saying to tell seniors not to waste their golden years. We can’t just retire and sit in our recliner all day and all night. Oh sure. There will come a day when that will happen. But the early years of retirement are open to exploring new hobbies and dreams of our youth. It’s never too late to start a new project or activity. Grandma Moses was 78 years old when she started taking her painting seriously. Gladys Burrill began her marathon running career at the age of 86. Colonel Sanders perfect his fried chicken recipe at age 65. John Pemberton invented Coca Cola at age 65. So, it’s never too late for seniors to try something new. It might just work out.
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:4
Mercy for the Day 