Did you ever hear the music from Fiddler on the Roof? I keep hearing the refrain:

Sunrise, sunset (x2),
Swiftly flow the days.
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers,
Blossoming even as we gaze.
Sunrise, sunset (x2),
Swiftly fly the years,
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears

And here we are, the summer of 2026, (I even phrase things like an old woman!) I guess the generation before me would have said, “The summer of ‘26”

I have recently read two books from the perspective of an aging individual: Water for Elephants and When the Cranes Fly South. I enjoyed them both as I could relate to the plight of the aged. Though I am not yet in my eighties or nineties, I can relate with the chronic illness I carry and the recent use of wheelchair, walker, orthotic boot, etc.

Those thoughts prompted me to review the following prayer from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.

The Book of Common Prayer, Page 830, #49. For the Aged

Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and, as their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The days turn rapidly, and then some seem to drag. The seasons come around. This summer has seemed to never end with the high heat and humidity! No, we have not had flooding in our neighborhood, but oh the people of the surrounding area counties are truly suffering. Those poor people with the mud coated belongings in their homes! Trees on top of cars and buildings. I wonder how many have lost their entire crop?

And my heart goes out to the elderly caught in these storms. The young people can perhaps rebuild their lives. The older folks, not so much. But then maybe the older ones realize it is all just so much stuff. What matters is life.

“As their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your love.” Yes, Lord that is what we need the most. Each sunrise and every sunset, even if those events are covered with rain clouds, help us lift our eyes to You, rejoicing in Your care and comfort.