Jacob had twelve sons:

23 The sons of Leah:

Reuben the firstborn of Jacob,

Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun.

24 The sons of Rachel:

Joseph and Benjamin.

25 The sons of Rachel’s servant Bilhah:

Dan and Naphtali.

26 The sons of Leah’s servant Zilpah:

Gad and Asher.

These were the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram.

27 Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. 28 Isaac lived a hundred and eighty years. 29 Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Genesis 35:23-29

Jacob and Esau got together again, though this time it was for their father’s burial. Jacob’s sons and families probably accompanied him to be with Isaac, so the grandfather got to see the families one last time before passing away. It had to be sad for the two brothers because their mother had already passed, and this was their last glimpse at their heritage. They were on their own now but they were like that for many years already. Still, the hole left when someone passes away can be deep and painful. It gets easier as time goes on but doesn’t fully go away.

Notice, though, how the Bible refers to Isaac: he was old and full of years. I love that phrase. It shows his vibrancy even in his old age. He still had that something.

I know people like that. One gentleman I know is 86 and is full of years. He has fun stories from every stage in his life. I saw a different aspect of him the other day. As we started preparing for a Christmas show (yes, we start in August in 100 degree heat), we were singing Silent Night. I looked over and he had his hands held out in front of him worshiping as we sung. Now you have to understand, this was not a Christian chorus but he didn’t care.

It was refreshing because he was totally at peace. He is still full of years, not giving up because he’s old and not caring what others think.

It’s something I want to be at that age.