A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…
I’ve always enjoyed hanging with the old folks. It’s a good thing, because I am now on a fast track to becoming one of them.
In the south, rural areas used to celebrate Decoration Day. It was an occasion where families or church congregations gathered to place flowers on the graves of loved ones and hold a little memorial service for them. Traditionally this involved singing, dinner on the grounds, and a religious service. It was a time for people to get together, visit, catch up, remember old times, and honor loved ones who had passed away. The old folks loved it.
On one such occasion a girlfriend of mine looked around and said, “Where are the old folks?”
I looked around and said, “I think we are the old folks!” That happened a few years ago, when I wasn’t nearly as old as I am now.
When my folks were alive, my husband and I used to fly back often to visit them in a small town in Illinois. As they were nearing eighty, one of their favorite pastimes was to go to the Senior Center for lunch, play a little Bingo, and participate in whatever activity was offered that day. If we were there, they would take us along.
A small town Senior Center is sort of like high school for old people—except not as cliquish. There’s a little bit of flirting, a lot of “did you hear about” this or that, and some who need to grow up—but unfortunately won’t have the time to do so.
My parents loved us to go with them and we enjoyed it, too! On one particular visit we were seated side by side with my folks across from us. Next to me was a little old lady I struck up a conversation with. She finally asked, “Sweetheart, could you introduce me to your father?”
I pointed across the table and said, “That’s my dad.”
She said, “Oh, well, who’s the attractive man sitting next to you? I really want to meet him. Is he married?” Talk about making my day. She thought my husband was my father. Thanks to Ms. Clairol, those gray hairs described as a “glorious crown” in the Bible are just a metaphor to me (Proverbs 16:31).
That was quite a few years ago. Now we both qualify to be senior citizens. We look at others our age and say, “Surely we can’t look that old.”
Then we say, “No, we don’t! We look great!” Ah, the joy of not wearing your glasses!
When my husband’s aunt was in her late nineties, we flew back to Rhode Island to help her move to the West Coast to be with family. While going through her things we found she had saved quite a bit of money. So we asked her if there was anything special she had ever wanted to buy or a trip she would like to take. She was appalled and said, “I can’t spend that money! I’m saving it for my old age.” Neither of us had the heart to tell her she was old.
If we spend a little time with old folks, they will tell us that each day is a gift no matter what age we are (Psalm 118:24). We can rejoice and be glad all our days (Psalm 20:14). We can make the most of our time and apply our hearts to wisdom (Psalm 90:12). We can resolve to finish the race God has set before us (2 Timothy 4:7). We can keep our sense of purpose and our sense of humor (Proverbs 17:22).
Growing old is not so bad—especially when you think of the alternative. Here’s a thought I find comforting: the seasons of my life may change but God never does. The aging process may eventually weaken my body and maybe my mind to a certain extent but if my relationship with God is my priority, I have nothing to worry about.
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O God, thank You for the wisdom of the older folks I’ve met in my life. We all must grow old. Although I’m aging, I’m still hearty and active. While I am, put in my heart to seek out those older who need encouragement. Let me take the time to visit with them, listen to their stories, bring them something a little special, and learn from them. Let them know they are not forgotten, but loved.
