If you cling to life on your terms, you'll lose it. Luke 17:33(TM)
Old age is no place for sissies!
But just because you're near the top of the hill doesn't mean you've passed your peak. Some of God's oldest are among His finest. The older, mellower Abraham was wiser than the brash, younger one. Caleb was defeating giants and claiming territory at 85. Anna, an elderly widow, didn't just pray for the Messiah, she was wise enough to recognize Him when He came. And on Patmos, isolation became inspiration and old John the Revelator wrote the last book of the Bible.
Douglas MacArthur said, "You only grow old by deserting your ideals. Years wrinkle the skin; giving up wrinkles the soul." Jesus said:
"If you cling to life on your terms, you'll lose it..."
Life can be approached in two ways: Protection or Pursuit.
The voice of safety says Protect your life: "Build a fire in the fireplace and stay in where it's warm." The voice of adventure says Pursue life: "Build a fire in your soul, then go out and pursue your passion." Some older folks sit quietly and cling to what life brings them; others go hunting, pursuing what they have always wanted to do - I'm thankful that my parent's example in youth and old age has always been to pursue life! Even now, when disease has limited what they can do they have a thirst for life. You are never too old to go "further up and further in". Asked why he began studying Greek at age 94, Oliver Wendell Holmes replied, "Well, my good sir, it's now or never!"
Regardless of your age how do you approach life? Are you playing it safe today? Are or you pursuing your passion? It is said that wisdome comes with age - but the truth is that wise people are not necessarily those with the most years in their life, but those with the most life in their years.
My parents have packed a lot of life into their 60 years together! Follow their example and you won't be disappointed when what hair you have left is "gray as a 'possum"!
(c)2006 Timothy L. Hudson, UGA Christian Campus Fellowship
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