Do you realize that if there was no record of birth and/or we didn’t have numbers, that no one would have any idea how old they were?
I wonder how much differently people would behave if they didn’t have the stigma of an age attached to them? For years I have professed my perspective that without numbers we would simply be who we are and what we have become at any given time. We would not be labeled old or young by anything other than our actions, our perspective, and our lifestyle. We probably wouldn’t say someone was old…instead we might assess them as wise or experienced or proven. We might not say someone was young, we might just say they are learning or that they lack maturity.
I truly believe and embrace the idea that age is irrelevant for the most part…as it relates to numbers. Yes, our bodies change a little…but if we take care of them right, they don’t have to change too much. It is possible for a man in his 90s to have 80% or more of the physical capacity of a man in his 20s…in other words, a body at 90 has certainly existed longer, but it doesn’t have to be failing. It can still be thriving!
The same holds true of our minds. We have the capacity to be very bright mentally until the day God takes us. We don’t have to suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s. It is a matter of taking proper care of our facilities.
The third thing is a biggie. I consider this the one that tells me if someone is “old” or young…and that is their spirit. How do they see life? Are they embracing it and rejoicing in it? Are they trying new things? ARE THEY LIVING???? What a waste when you meet someone who is in their 20s 0r 30s and they have become resigned. They have stopped pursuing life. THEY are old.
I could care less what the number is. You are only as “old” as you have decided to be. Perhaps you haven’t thought of it this way? That it’s a decision? But it absolutely is for almost everyone. You decide to take care of your body. You decide to take care of your mind. You decide to feed and nurture your spirit. OR…you have decided to waste them. It truly is a choice.
We tend to look at benchmark ages in society don’t we? 16,18, 21, 30, 40…and in my case, tomorrow, June 18th, I turn 50. That is what my number now says. So am I old?
I’m just getting started. I feel sensational. I am in better shape than when I was at 30, physically. I think I am a little wiser. I know I have a lot of growing to do and I am excited to do it. I hope you will join me in the journey of unending growth. I intend to burn brightly and with passion and vigor until sometime in the way distant future, I simply don’t wake up. If God decides to take me sooner then that will simply mean my work is done here. But I gotta feeling that I am going to be here for a while. The mission in my heart is too big to have come from me.
So, I turn 50…so what…BRING IT!
