…but then again, aren't we all?
I often find myself thinking to myself thoughts like this:
"Man, those people look old; glad I'm not old."
"Those kids look so young these days; why do they look so much younger than they used to?"
I'm 53. Some would say this is "middle aged." If it's the middle, I'm living till I'm 106 (or somewhere close to that; not sure what I'd really think of that). However, there are days, when I feel old…well, at least older than I was.
I don't mind; really, I don't. Birthdays are not a big deal to me. I don't agonize as they approach. I don't hesitate when others ask (other than to try to deflect attention because I just don't want them making a big deal over me). There are times when I keep cherishing what comes with age: experience, wisdom and perhaps, better and deep insight.
As I age at being a pastor (I've been in pastoral ministry for nearly 27 years now), I keep wanting to be better; better at everything I do. Not the kind of "better" that means "There's someone out there better than me and I'll not stand for that." No, I mean the kind of better that says, "I want to be…I need to be better than yesterday at reading and understanding the Word of God. I need to be better at listening to God's people when they talk with me. I need to be better when…" I think you get my drift.
When I get "really old" I want to be like this:
These men are not out to impress anyone, because they are secure in the Great Shepherd’s love. When you speak to them, even if you are not a member of their congregation, they are eager to hear and share your burdens. They preach with no concern for men’s opinion, because they are seasoned in preaching the gospel to all sorts and conditions of men, only seeking approval from Christ. Their eyes have seen a lot of joy and much suffering, and have wept for souls. They have been faithful in the administration of the sacraments. They have raised their hands in benediction, blessing the congregation hundreds, maybe thousands, of times. And Scripture says that even their feet are beautiful (Isaiah 52:7).
Read the whole thing and pray for me and for your pastor. Pray that we finish well. Pray that we be beautiful.