The other day I was talking to my wife, Judie, about how I miss those days when I could just pick up the phone and call older preachers, especially Franklin Camp, just to get their wise counsel about problems. She got that special look on her face I have seen over the years and then she said, “Dan, you need to face it, you are the older preacher.” I then began to think of the increasing number of calls I have received over the years. Getting older sorta’ sneaks up on you!
Many years ago my grandmother was talking about aging. She said, “Getting old ain’t what it’s cracked up to be.” She was so wise. When I told that story to Fran Reynolds, a former member at PBL who is now deceased, she said, “Your grandmother was so right. The truth is, it’s all cracks.”
The last chapter of Ecclesiastes uses such poetic language when it describes aging. It speaks of how our hands begin to shake—”the keepers of the house tremble”; the problems we have with our teeth—“the grinders cease”; eyesight fails—”those that look through the windows grow dim”; hearing diminishes—”the daughters of music are brought low” and the graying of the hair—”the almond tree blossoms.” If you live long enough you will really appreciate this passage!
May I share with you some observations about what we should do as we get older? First, be careful that you do not seek to dominate conversations, and be determined to talk less and listen more. One reason some older people talk so much is because as hearing fails the only way they can know what is being said is to dominate the discussion. Don’t do it! The truth is that most people do not really care to hear you tell the same stories again and again. You may not remember telling that story, but those around you will.
Keep your mind active. I have seen many stop reading and studying before they were 60, and their ability to learn just about stopped. Be interested in what happens around you. Be part of this age of technology and scientific advances. The world is constantly changing. Make sure that you do too!
Above all, do not live in the past. I heard someone say recently that what is wrong with our world is that old people live in the past, young people live in the future and no one lives in the present. Young people seemingly are talking about what they someday want to do and old people talk about what they used to do! What a lesson for every Christian! Forget those past accomplishments and live for today. The past is history, you may have no future. Do what you can do today for the Lord. It may be your last one!