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For some reason lately I've been noticing things that make me feel old.
  • We have now lived in Delaware for 19 years, which is the longest either of us has ever lived in one place.
  • Our oldest child will soon be turning 30 (which means I'm on the downslope for 60).
  • I'm getting to know my doctor because I'm seeing him more often.
  • When I read the celebrity columns in People magazine while I'm at the doctor's office, I have no idea who most of these celebrities are.
  • I've been watching Grey's Anatomy for how long?
  • My pastor is as old as my marriage.
Beloit College puts out a list every year of things that this year's college freshmen have never known: A small sampling from this year's list:
  • Benjamin Braddock, having given up both a career in plastics and a relationship with Mrs. Robinson, could be their grandfather.
  • Before they purchase an assigned textbook, they will investigate whether it is available for rent or purchase as an e-book.
  • They watch television everywhere but on a television.
All of these are reminders that I’ve been around for a while, and that I’m spending more time with people who don’t have the same experiences.
The Bible isn't a lot of help when it comes to comfort for the aged.
God played a lot of jokes on old people. Noah was 600 when the great flood occurred. Abraham was 100 and Sarah 90 when God finally gave them a child. Zechariah and Elizabeth were in their "old age" when their son John was born.
"Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent. (Psalm 71:9)
"No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. (Matthew 9:16)
"But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." (John 21:18)
These Bible verses do not present an image of joy in old age. No, they say that with age goes a strong foundation and the ability to function independently. (Please do not take this seriously, this is an example of cherry-picking Bible verses to illustrate what you want, not what the Bible really says.)
I know that age is somewhat a state of mind, so I try to counteract the feelings of being old with things that can make me feel young(er) again.
  • Racing down Jiminy Peak on the Alpine Super Slide and the Mountain Coaster.
  • Spending hours learning a new piece on the harp and recognizing that it's invigorating not exhausting.
  • Spending time blowing big bubbles for our neighbor’s granddaughter.
And of course, and most importantly, being renewed each week through worship and communion at church.
“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Ann Warner