Age

Age –

As I think about age and my milestones, they begin at age sixteen (16). This was when I got my driver’s license and the freedom that came with it. I recall feeling grown up and loved the idea that I was trusted to go out on my own, without parental or sibling supervision. This was the same year I would learn about Jesus Christ and accept Him as my Lord and Savior – Given I had just started driving, this was probably a very good thing! At seventeen (17) I graduated high school and moved out on my own, I chose to depart from any further schooling and began pursuing a career in sales. At twenty (20), I met a BEAUTIFUL young Woman who would become the love of my life. While still twenty (20), I would propose (after only dating three weeks) and at twenty-one (21) I would get to marry this woman. Our first son would be born when I was twenty-three (23). At twenty-five (25) we would move away and purchase our first house. We would have our second son when I was twenty-seven (27). At twenty-nine (29) we would move even further (across the county – from California to Georgia).

Since then, age hasn’t really seemed like a big deal to me. It’s just a number, right? I turned, thirty, forty, then fifty, not really a big deal… until now! This year I will turn fifty-five (55) years old. All of a sudden, I’m asking, when did this happen? Where did the last twenty-five (25) years go? In fact, where did all fifty-five (55) years go? I remember hearing my parents say, “the older you get the faster time seems to move.” It just doesn’t seem possible that I will turn fifty-five (55) years old this September 5th.

What does age have to do with anything? I hear I will be illegible for a “senior coffee” at McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A. Recently, our mailbox has been filled AARP envelopes addressed to me. What’s that about? As if we don’t already know we are getting older, the daily mail delivery seems to ensure we don’t miss it or even try to deny it. I know I am feeling older. My body does not operate like it did when I was younger and, it seems that everything I eat lands and remains at my belt line. What a bummer! I love food and I used to eat whatever I wanted and never gain weight. Since I turned forty (40) it seems if I look at food, I’m heavier.

Most of all, it seems that I am realizing that with age comes wisdom. That’s a word we don’t use much. We talk about education, knowledge, being intelligent or smart. But, what is wisdom? Well, according to Google ~ wisdom is a noun and its definition is – the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise. Interesting that it is a “quality” and is defined with experience and good judgment.

My life would not be defined as one of good judgement. I have made some real bonehead decisions in my life. Of course, not included are; asking my wife on our first date, asking her to marry me, and moving to the South. I can think of many poor decisions in my early adulthood and unfortunately, still too many even in my forties. They (my poor decisions) are too many to mention here in this BLOG and it would be embarrassing to disclose how many of them have involved finances and career choices. Yet, as I approach fifty-five years old this year, I can see how I have learned from these poor decisions through the experiences and knowledge they’ve provided. Interesting, that those two words are included in the definition of wisdom.

For years I gained “experience” and obtained “knowledge” but was not wise. When did wisdom show up? I think it does relate to age. As I’ve aged, my experiences and knowledge are beginning to come together to form better judgment and choices. I am growing wise, or hopefully wiser? I now see down the tunnel at the train coming. I can now spot many poor decisions before I make them. I can now feel the coming result (the heat) of something prior to my jumping directly into its fire. My judgment is improving and I am developing wisdom. Finally!! If only it had come sooner. But, how could it? It seems we must experience life and gain the knowledge that comes with life’s experiences in order to grow in wisdom.

So, we are not born wise. I do believe it can only come with life experience. However, I do believe we can expedite the process. If we use our God-given intelligence, our education, and yes life’s experiences, we can obtain wisdom sooner than later. IF, we are willing to learn from others experiences and knowledge. Only if we recognize this opportunity and are willing. Oh, how I wish I had been more humble and more willing to listen to others and learn from their mistakes and experiences. What pain and struggles might I have avoided? If only a few of my poor decisions could have been diverted, some of the pain and difficulty I’ve caused my wife and family might have been prevented. But, if my theory is correct, even this pain and these difficulties may produce wisdom in my wife and sons. I pray so.

Here are a few of my wisdom nuggets;

• There is a God and I’m not Him. He created everything including me and I owe Him my life. He provided a Way for me to live a full life here and an eternity with Him. I believe this and want as many people as possible to know this truth.
• I am a child of God and He loves me unconditionally. If only I accept His gift of Jesus Christ on the cross, a life of joy and a future secured is mine. I should stop trying to earn my way to heaven and obey His teachings.
• I’ve learned, that my love of, and caring for, my wife, sons, their wives, and our grandchildren are my first opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
• The size and look of my house, the car that I drive, the clothes that I wear, and the title of my job, these things do not define me.
• I may not find my life’s true fulfillment in my job (although some people do).
• In lieu of my job, I must find the place where my passions and real heart’s desire can be focused and effective.
• Driving many hours and miles for my job is not a burden – it is an opportunity to spend time listening to and absorbing truth and wisdom through Biblical teaching.
• Although my profession is a sales and marketing manager, my job provides an opportunity to minister to many people including my co-workers and customers.
• I now understand that less truly can be more.
• A life well lived includes discovering our purpose and applying our God-given talents and skills to accomplish that purpose.
• When my time is done on earth may my family, friends and many others celebrate me as a man who loved God, loved others and did my very best to demonstrate it.

In closing, as I approach the Winter season of my life, I pray I embrace age, even old age. As the years come, may I see age as something to celebrate. May I know that with each passing year, I will develop even more wisdom and understanding of what is truly important in this life.