“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green…” (Psalm 92:14-15).

In the poignant,  best-selling book, THE YELLOW BUS, author Loren Long personifies the yellow bus and takes us on a journey through “her” life and aging process.

She began her career with the conventional ministry of transporting children to and from school. When that job was discontinued, she drove the elderly to the library. When her motor gave out, she housed frolicking animals.  Later, she provided shelter for the homeless, and, when she was partially submerged in water, she welcomed fish and seas creatures into her space. After every new venture, this phrase was repeated: “And they filled her with joy.”  Her joy was so great that she kept on giving—until the day her life ended.

I want to be a yellow bus. As an older adult, this really spoke to me about a life well lived. It also reminded me we can serve wherever we are, whether young or old, together or broken, in the suburbs, in the fields, and even “partially submerged.” And there may be times when we feel forgotten and no longer useful. But, if we hope in the Lord, He will continue to call us to new areas of service with new people to love. And…it will “fill us with joy.”

I wonder how many people disqualify themselves from jobs or ministry because they feel they are not useful. Clearly, God’s Word tells us we can “stay fresh and green and bear fruit in our old age.”  Yes, sometimes there are physical limitations; sometimes older (or weaker) adults are even passed over; but the yellow bus reminds me that with a little creativity and resourcefulness, there is always a way to serve. To God be the glory.