I believe the memories of what I have done in my youth give
me encouragement for what I can do in my old age.
Physically, things get more difficult. I need more time to recuperate
from a long day of work. But I can still work. I can still walk. I can still
serve.
I have more determination now than in my youth. I work
smarter, not harder. I know way more short cuts that bring about the same
desired results. I pay more attention to details. I move slower, but more
efficiently. In fact, I probably get more accomplished now than when I was in
my 20s.
Mentally, I find I must limit my time with social media,
television, and other media. Entertainment is faster, flashier, more rude, more
crude, more disrespectful of everything, and more intense. It creates
conflicting emotions, stress, and chaos in my brain. So much confusion!
But reading now is faster, recollection is more accurate,
understanding is deeper. Puzzles seem easier because I have more patience.
Painting, crocheting, drawing, writing, all seem more enjoyable because the shadow
of competition is gone.
Emotionally, I am much more stable, more dependable, more
accepting of others’ faults, more compassionate, and a little wiser in the ways
of people. I don’t fall for manipulation, intimidation, or domination like I used
to.
Spiritually, I spend more time in God’s Word. I spend less
time being a seeker in other ways of spirituality. I study the masters (Luther,
Tozer, Lewis, Henry, favorite preachers, etc.), but spend more time with The
Master.
I pray more because I have more to pray about, more people
to pray for.
I still stink at memorizing, always have, but the passages I
need in conversation or writing come to mind. If I am searching the Scriptures,
I can find what I am seeking much faster because I know where it might be.
I crammed a lot of life into my youth, made lots of
mistakes, and fixed some of them. Now I take my time and do the jobs God gives
me.
And service is much more enjoyable. Thank You, Jesus!
“Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your
youth is renewed like the eagle.” – Psalms 103:5
_RHTM_
