Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made:
Our times are in His hand
Who saith “A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!”
This poem by Robert Browning (1812-1889) is a dramatic monologue over 1200 words long. This first part is often used in wedding ceremonies, celebrating the bond between life-partners.
But wait! There’s more!
Rabbi Ben Ezra was a real person, a 12th century theologian, philosopher, linguist, and scientist. Yet the ideas expressed in this poem are those of Browning himself. The clearest analysis I found is from the online study site Gradesaver, and included these ideas:
” … one should appreciate what comes, since all adds to our growth towards God, and embrace the “paradox” that life’s failure brings success … all things are gifts from God, and the flesh’s limitations are to be appreciated even as we recognize them as limitations … What complicates the philosophy is that we are wont to disagree with each other, to have different values and loves. However, the Rabbi begs that we not give too much credence to the earthly concerns that engender argument and dissention, and trust instead that we are given by God and hence are fit for this struggle. The transience of time does not matter, since this is only one phase of our existence; we need not grow anxious about disagreements and unrealized goals, since the ultimate truth is out of our reach anyway.”
We are living in a time of violently enhanced disagreement on almost every issue. It encourages me to remember that God has control of everything that touches us. And it brings me back to this:
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
So I agree with the Rabbi (and Browning):
Not once beat ‘Praise be thine!
I see the whole design,
I, who saw power, see now love perfect too:
Perfect I call thy plan:
Thanks that I was a man!
Maker, remake, complete,—I trust what Thou shalt do!’
The whole poem can be read here.