Where man retreats, G_d begins. There is somewhat a similar saying in English, right? There are ever so many people and situations in the Bible that can be read in connection with this, such as Abraham, Moses, the Red Sea, Elijah, Elisha, Manoah, Hannah, and so on and so forth!

Again it's about the priest Zechariah. The 'man' had retreated in him and in his wife. There G_d begins. Haven't you heard? The stone that the builders rejected, G_d makes the cornerstone.

Is it because that the death is more actively closer that modern society views old age so disdainfully? I think that it's not the smell of death the reason for modern man's aversion to old age. I suspect that the main reason is the inherent weakness that comes along with old age. With age, we become physically and often mentally weaker. "You can remain young always"; "age is a matter of your mind"- we hear such phrases all over the place. I agree that there is a positive side to all of it. Still, there is a suggestion lurking beneath: "Don't get old". Doesn't it seem like the underlying fear is a concern that society won't treat you gracefully, because it doesn't look at aging positively?

That element that the Bible describes as 'the man', 'the flesh', slowly recedes in old age. It is also seen that God begins his work at that stage. No matter how the world looks at it, I prefer to embrace it as I approach old age, or I'm already there. I prefer to admit that "I am an old man. And my wife is also advanced in her age." It is a reality that my wife - the flesh, and I have reached old age together, but 'Life' isn't manifested in us. Let alone the fact that we have not really worked hard for it, the truth is that we haven't even seriously prayed for it.

Therefore, as the 'man' retreats, I have serious doubt whether the Spirit will take over. However, I shouldn't lose hope. What if He comes this way? What if He calls out my name? So, I shall wait here!