An antique rack in the entryway to our home holds the canes and walking-sticks of several generations of our family. My favorite is a slender staff with a gold-plated knob engraved with the initials “DHR.” It belonged to my wife Carolyn’s great-grandfather, Daniel Henry Rankin. Curiously, his initials are the same as mine.
In my study is another collection: my father’s peeled, apple-wood walking stick, among others. And in a barrel in our garage there’s an assortment of cross-country ski poles, wading wands, and trekking sticks I’ve gathered over the years. One of these days, I’ll trade them all in for a walker. I’ll always need something or someone to lean on.
I’m reminded of the old patriarch Jacob, once strong, now humbled and utterly dependent on God. When he was dying, by faith he “worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff” (Hebrews 11:21).
As I grow older, I’m learning to lean more on God and His faithfulness. Over the years, He has “held me by my right hand.” He is guiding me with His counsel, and afterward He will “receive me to glory” (Psalm 73:23-24).
Shakespeare said it well: God is “the very staff of my age, my very prop.” — David H. Roper
Our vigor is fleeting, our best years are brief,
Our youth passes quickly—time’s ever a thief;
But hope yet becomes us—death’s sting holds no power;
We have a Redeemer—an unfailing Tower. —Gustafson
Learning of our weakness teaches us to lean on God’s strength.