A Year Older, and Thinking 'Young'

"YOU'RE ONLY OLD ONCE!" That’s the name of a delightful book by Dr. Seuss our children gave me a couple of years ago when I became an octogenarian. In his unique poetic style, Dr. Seuss describes the litany of senior prescriptions he aptly names the “Pill Drill.” Here are a few from his list: “This small white pill is what I munch at breakfast and right after lunch,” and “These orange-tinted ones, of course, I take to cure my charley horse” and “The speckled browns are what I keep beside my bed to help me sleep” and finally, “This long flat one is what I take if I should die before I wake!” There are more, but you get the idea! Many senior adults can probably relate all too well to the “pill drill.”

But I must say that as I reach the age of eighty-two today I do not yet do the pill drill. I take very few medications, and that goes for Jolene, too. We recognize that we’re blessed beyond measure to be living a predominately prescription-free life, and we certainly don’t take it for granted. We know that could change very quickly. We praise God for good health.

So, “being of sound mind” AND reaching another birthday prompts me to think about “old people” today. The late Billy Graham began his book, Nearing Home, with the words, “I never thought I’d live to be this old.” I identify with Brother Graham; I remember observing senior adults years ago and thinking I‘d probably never get old like that. Yet HERE I AM!

So I believe I can say a word about us, the ‘elderly’—the ones who were called ‘at risk’ in the recent height of the coronavirus epidemic.

I’m very excited to see the emphasis in our day on the younger generation. I rejoice when I notice teens and young adults in the spotlight. I only want to see the emphasis get deeper…and wider. Our youth can do more than spend countless hours on social media. They are capable of going beyond sports and entertainment. They are not just consumers of clothing and food & drink! Our country (yes, world!) desperately needs young people to take an interest in its social welfare, vital issues, elections, education, finances, and most of all, its spiritual life! Of course, many DO; I can’t say enough about the young people who are ‘stepping up to the plate’ in changing our society for the better; way to go, y’all!

And to every younger reader, may I challenge YOU today? Take inventory: do you have any older person you admire and respect? VISIT WITH THEM! Ask questions of senior adults—grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, pastors, community leaders, residents in nursing homes and retirement centers. Some elders are probably not online; you’ll need to listen to them in person. They may not always be right in your opinion, but for the most part they’ll be wise; time has made them so. (Of course old age doesn’t automatically produce wisdom or a sweet spirit, but when it’s combined with flexibility and the fear of God, you can count on it!) Hear their stories and profit from their experiences. Then decide to “go MAD”—“go Make A Difference”— yourself in this world of racial hatred, misinformation, injustice, fear, and sinful lifestyles. YOU can be a change agent!

I was inspired in high school when I read the book “I Dare You.” One thought jumps out in my memory: BE A FIRE ENGINE IN THE TRAFFIC JAM OF LIFE! The writer, William Danforth, was saying, Have a purpose, a mission. Let it be known. Go after it. Don’t let the bottlenecks of life hold you back; sound your horn and go through to your God-called destination! Once there, serve others! Save lives! MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

I want to be like the aging Apostle Paul to young Timothy and say to every younger person today, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity!” And remember that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind!” (1 Tim 4:12, 2 Tim 1:7) This is a hellish world, young person; Go MAD—for Heaven’s sake!