| Titus 2:2 – “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.” |
My wife and I had just laid our heads on the pillow a few nights ago. It was a work night. Me: It’s 10:00. Last night we were in bed at 9:30. She: You know what we are? Me: Tired. She: No, you know what we are? Me: Smart. She: No, you know what we are? Me: Resting. She: We are OLD. I will admit that we are growing older. We are not spring chickens anymore. I am almost 8 years her senior, but we are both in the 4th quarter of life. We don’t know how long we have, so any talk of how long we have is speculation based on experience.
I don’t want to go back and be 18 again. I would give up so many life lessons that serve me well now. So many things I have said that I regretted that help me to speak less and listen more. So many rebellious moments that have tamed me into a more tolerable fellow. I don’t like staying up late anymore. My idea of a wild party is playing “Nerts” sitting on my knees on the floor. Can’t do it very long. We celebrate New Year’s at 9 PM and sleep in the rolling over of the year.
It’s ok to grow old. It is going to happen. I try to be extra kind to those who are ahead of me on the age track. Someday, if God is willing, that will be me. God chose the mature men to lead His church. And I am thankful for them.
Father in heaven, help us to grow old with grace, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
-Jeff Beall
