“’Now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.’ Then David said to the whole assembly, ‘Praise the Lord your God.’ So they all praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the Lord and the king. The next day they made sacrifices to the Lord and presented burnt offerings to him: a thousand bulls, a thousand rams and a thousand male lambs, together with their drink offerings, and other sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the Lord that day. (I Chronicles 29:17-22)
In this account, David is a very old man. For eighty years, he has given himself heart and soul to God and God’s people. He hasn’t always done the “right” thing, but his heart has always been “after” God’s own heart. With just weeks to live, David is in hospice care. Little more to do than keep him warm and comfortable. This is a time for personal reflection that distills everything down into an awareness of what matters and has always mattered.
He has accomplished much, but his joy is not one that looks backward. He is looking ahead. He has drafted the plans for a great Temple and has secured much of what will be needed for its construction. As he faces his end, there is one thing gives him joy: seeing the united generosity of the people toward their heritage and purpose as a people called into covenant (i.e. Abraham, Isaac, Israel). As a Father in Israel, David is overjoyed to witness the people’s dedication to the “God of their fathers.” They didn’t just obey; they sacrificed “in abundance.”
A major joy of old age is in seeing one’s life’s devotion embraced by those who come after. Old soldiers love to know that the next generation stewards the freedom for which they fought. Old teachers rejoice when their students catch fire and start a life of research and learning all their own. Old parents take great satisfaction when their children show up at gatherings and eventually “take over” the preparations, making the family a priority.
Joy belongs to those who do their part in the chapter of life God gives. They depart trusting that God will continue writing in the lives of those they’ve influenced.