No Longer A Spring Chicken!

          Today is my 69th birthday, which means that I am no longer a “spring chicken,” not by any stretch of the imagination. Maybe an old rooster, but not a spring chicken, for certain. Age does have some advantages, however, that only “living a long time” can produce. I thought I would share some of them with you, since I surely qualify.

          First, I used to think there were certain things I could not live without; however, I am now perfectly content without them. For example, when I was younger, I thought I had to have the approval of others, but now I figure that, if someone does not approve of me, they have the problem. I am very content to move on without their approval.       

          Second, and along the same vein, I used to hate for people to prove themselves “fair weather” friends, and abandon the relationship over some petty distraction. However, because I now believe that, regardless of what I want,  people do leave, I can let them go, and, even wish them well in their journey. I just figure they were in my life for a “season” and the “season” simply came to an end. All seasons do, you know.

          Third, I can readily remember (even though it has been a while ago) when I thought that those who disagreed with me, concerning theological matters, were as wrong as wrong could be, and, for the most part, closed my ears to what they had to say. At this juncture in my life, however, I have come to believe that my understanding of these matters is very limited; consequently, I am free to listen with receptive ears to those whose opinions are different than mine.

          Fourth, I spent most of my younger life trying to “win the world for Jesus,” and pretty much burned out in the process. As I have now been around the “mountain” a few times, I have come to know that evangelism is God’s problem, not mine; I couldn’t win anyone to Jesus, to save my life. What I can do is preach the gospel and leave the rest to Him. I haven’t smelled the smoke of “burning out” in a very long time.

          Fifth, I can vividly remember when I believed that bridge players, alcohol drinkers, pool players, Sabbath breakers, divorcers, adulterers, thieves, and movie goers were all headed to hell, like a freight train loaded with sand, going down a steep hill, with no brakes. However, after getting a few more miles on my speedometer, I have come to believe that that is the very crowd that will be in Heaven, provided, however, that God has given them the faith to believe the most unbelievable story of all time—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

          Sixth, I used to believe that parents could love no one more than they love their children, and then I met my grandchildren—Sydney and Caroline.      

          Seventh, I can remember when I thought death was “a million miles on down the road,” but I have lived long enough to know that, measured in time, that “million miles” is but a second. A day can seem like a thousand years, but a thousand years can seem like a day! Really! When I was younger, I thought I had more days than I could ever use, but now, I know that I have already used up most of them, even if I live to be 100. My point: I have lived long enough to know how important it is to enjoy today.

          I could go on-and-on, but I have also lived long enough to know that I have already written more than most will read.

                        

"This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent" (John 6:29 NASB).