Since retiring from pulpit ministry 10 years ago, Anglican priest David Roseberry has found creative and practical ways to encourage leaders in his denomination and help them grow their churches and expand their ministries. He’s still a wonderful preacher. 

He’s also doing something he didn’t have time for as a parish priest. The pastor’s heart that drove his preaching now inspires his writing. All sorts of helpful books and articles. Lately, he’s been writing to and for believers who are “in the final stretch of the race,” in the space he himself occupies. The series is now a book: Living in the Flyaway Zone.” 

David Roseberry is 71— not old. But, he describes a shift to where “we are finally close enough to the edge of life to see that there is an edge.”  He quotes Moses — Psalm 90:10

 “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.” 

Father David points out that these are, “The years when you realize you are no longer merely accumulating, building, striving, climbing, and planning for ‘someday.’ You are living the years you actually have left.” 

It’s not a time to coast or drift. There’s much to do and learn. But there are ways to simplify life that bring clarity and focus. For me, it’s purging stuff I’ll never need. 

Moses lived to 120. “He was emotionally, intellectually, and relationally engaged with his people and with God to the end of his natural life.”

We won’t outlive Moses. But David Roseberry reminds us, “These years still matter enormously.” There’s much still to give. Including availability, wisdom, blessing, even money. He says, “I do not want generosity postponed until after my funeral.” 

You’ll find practical nuggets like: Find younger doctors. And — Exercise, in your seventies, is stewardship. Also — Do hard things.  

At 120, Moses climbed Mt. Nebo.