heritage of praise

At this last stage of my earthly life, when it's possible that I might have maximum impact in terms of godly testimony and example, there's an ever-present temptation to complain.  Generally speaking, gray-hair guys like me tend to be a sour bunch of grapes, pointing to changes we resist, people we don't like, and policies we oppose.  The AARP, which advocates for retired people, leads this prune parade in reminding the rest of you of how you need to take care of us, follow our lead, and get out of our way. 

How different this is from the description of the heritage of praise that an older generation offers to another: The Psalmist prays, Now that I am old and gray-headed, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare Your Power to the next generation, Your mighty Acts to all who are to come (Psalm 71:18).  Instead of pointing to themselves, seniors can point to the Greatness of God, and point others in the same direction. And if this is done sincerely and honestly in The Lord, younger generations will pick up the praise.  The key is that we look primarily to The Lord rather than to ourselves or our situation, and He will do the rest in neutralizing our complaints and calling forth our praise.

Any one of us, whatever our generation, in this day, this hour, this minute, can start the praise ball rolling, in which one generation commends Your Works to another; tell​(s) of Your Mighty Acts; speak(s) of the Glorious Splendor of Your Majesty; tell(s) of the Power of Your Awesome Works; celebrate(s) Your Abundant Goodness; and joyfully sing(s) of Your Righteousness (Psalm 145:4-7).  

Whatever our stage in life, let's leave a legacy of thanksgiving and establish this multi-generational heritage of praise.