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Most people my age
pastor corner

Pastor Jim Jackson

Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church

We have some of the sweetest and most energetic young children on our street. At least six of them ride their scooters and bicycles around and around our cul-de-sac almost every day. They love our ten pound Shiih Tzu, all kinds of spiders, insects, frogs, lizards, and even black snakes. I found them this morning in our front yard collecting DNA to make a Pokemon. You see, they have imagination too.

As I was mounting my bicycle, a little fella approached me and remarked: “Most people your age don’t ride bicycles.’

My response: “Most people my age have already gone to heaven.” I didn’t mention the other place. Well, also many people my age spend lots of money on co-pays for doctors and drugs.

So it goes with those of us who make it to senior age.

Our biological age can sometimes get in our way, especially when people are inclined to stereotype older adults, even children and youths. Paul wrote to young Timothy: “Let no man despise thy youth but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” That same word is appropriate for all ages.

Hold in abeyance your conclusion of persons solely because of their age.

The writer of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes urged his readers to consider their age and act wisely. There’s an urgency for us, to recognize where we are on the chronological age spectrum and act accordingly. He said: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, “I have no pleasure in them.”

Was he saying something like: “While you still have strength, use it for good”? Hey, that’s true for people of all ages.

Mozart was writing great music when he was only five.

David slew a giant when he was but a youth, though stereotyped by the Goliath as incapable.

Abraham was a hundred and Sarah ninety when they had a son.

I like what the psalmist wrote: “So teach us to number our days, so that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” We have no need to deny our age, only exploit it for all it’s worth. In essence, here’s my question: “Must you always act your age”?

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