The Joys of Getting Older

Syble's 96 year-old mother, Florence Rose, just moved to an adult care facility in Grapevine, TX. Over the past 6 ½ months, her presence in our home has been a huge blessing. She is the best mother-in-law a man could ask for.

When she moved, we decided it was the perfect time to change out the flooring in our living room. Syble had wanted to make the change for a long time but it seemed like so much work! We knew that any flooring change would require some heavy lifting - every piece of furniture in that room would have to moved.

Thankfully, Niles Holsinger willingly agreed to recruit some guys to help. He easily found people to help move the furniture out; however, he had some difficulty finding help when it was time to move it back in.

While we were discussing the predicament, I told him that the people we have known for all these years are too old now to move heavy stuff. He aptly replied, “Ha! Another joy of getting older: no longer having to move furniture!” I loved his perspective!

I feel the disadvantages of getting older have been so greatly exaggerated that people no longer look forward to the joy of it, which should be a crime. Getting older has so many advantages; we just need to see this event from a higher perspective.

It was announced, in the USA Today, dated July 21st, that the world’s oldest man passed away this last weekend…he was 113. The reporter said, “If 50 is the new 40, then 100 is the new 90.” They reported that the number of centenarians worldwide is projected to reach nearly 6 million by 2050.

Genesis 6:3 says that a man’s days shall be one hundred and twenty.

Just think of the joy you will experience as you grow older.... You will actually reach a point when your great grandchildren will offer you their chair. Your grandchildren will carry your Christmas presents to the car Christmas day. You will be able to legitimately claim to have selective hearing, just don't tell anybody.

You will get a “Senior Discount” without even asking! Think of the money you will save! You will get discounts at the movies, at restaurants, at ball games, at the State Fair, and just about anywhere else you feel like going. In addition, you'll have plenty of opportunities during the day to take a long, healthy walk when you have a "senior moment" and have to look for your car at the supermarket or the mall.

Just think of all the Biblical examples of older people. It will really cause joy and encouragement as you approach the “new 90.” You may want to have a child like Abraham and Sarah, go to battle for your “mountain” like Caleb, get a double inheritance like Job, or come into a position of marvelous revelations like John on Patmos.

Psalm 92 says that those who are planted in the house of the Lord will still bear fruit in old age and shall be fresh and flourishing. Think of that!!!

Acts 2 says that old men will dream dreams…surely that includes old women, too!

1Timothy 5:1 says old men are not to be rebuked, but exhorted as a father. Now, that is a great advantage.

Look at all the advantages--I bet you can't wait to get older now!

In closing, I want to remind you that Caleb was 85 when he said that he was as strong and fit for war as the day when he left Egypt forty-five years earlier. By faith let’s join the “Caleb Company.” The older we get, the more misery we are going to deal the devil!!!

Your fellow soldier.