Creak, Gasp, and Groan

“I have learned that no one is immune to the ravages of this world on our bodies. They serve the purpose of housing our spirits until our mission has been completed, then we head home to heaven where we receive an imperishable glorious body free of cancer, pain, and other maladies forever. Until then we must just keep our heads down and get our work accomplished.” – Bob Williamson

I’ve reached “that age.”

What age, you may ask? Well, that age where you wake up in the morning and have to gently wiggle your various body parts to make sure they are still working. And that age where you feel mysterious aches and pains… and then realize that you haven’t done anything extraordinary to warrant them. They just come with the territory.

It is also the age where you have to rock a few times to build up enough momentum to get off the sofa – and turn your head so you can hear people speaking in your “good ear.” As for the volume control on the TV remote, it is set on the equivalent of a jet engine taking off.

The ravages of age really hit home the other day when my son Chris and I were talking about our days playing on the same prison ministry softball team. I played second base and was known for my excellent defense and Chris patrolled the outfield with equal proficiency. When I mentioned how it would be great to do it again sometime, Chris brought me back to earth with a cold dose of reality.

“You do realize that you wouldn’t be playing second base anymore,” he stated matter-of-factly. I nodded my head and made a pitching motion, acknowledging that lobbing the ball underhand would probably be my new position. However, I wasn’t ready to give up just yet.

“I think I could still field balls that were hit in my direction,” I argued, holding out hope that I could still man second base adequately. “Yeah, one step to your left and one step to your right,” Chris added with a chuckle.

One of the challenges for all of us – aging athletes or sedentary seniors – is adapting and adjusting to growing older. Instead of regretting and fixating upon what we can no longer do, how about celebrating what we still can? For instance, I can still golf… play half-court basketball… swim and fish. I can also still take long walks with my wife and chase my grandkids around the yard (or play hide and seek inside the house). Most of all, I can still pray and preach!

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President