From The Pastor's Pen

I Feel Young
8/21/2008

"I FEEL YOUNG!"

Lately, I have noticed that it is harder to get around -- at least, harder than it used to be. I have a greater appreciation for handrails as I am going up and down stairs, and Advil is very welcome when I finish mowing the lawn. "I forgot" is not an excuse anymore -- it is the TRUTH. Locks are developing a nasty habit of switching keys, confusing me as I try to unlock the door. Increasing amounts of medication are in my breakfast menu the past few years. Laying on the floor to watch television and eat popcorn is still fun, until it is time to get up. Newspapers are using smaller and smaller print. I have found myself thinking more and more of aging, and I am approaching it reluctantly -- VERY reluctantly. This causes some reflection.

This past week, I taught a "Baptism Class" for some of the young people in our church. Maxine said the children were asking her about baptism months ago, and they were very interested even then. The first day, the early arrivers decided it would be fun to hide in closets, under desks, and behind chairs from the late comers. Joy was always near at hand, just around the corner. The pitter-patter of little feet rang up and down the halls. Laughter punctuated nearly every moment, and one little one said she laughed so hard she wet! My impression was that everything felt new and exciting to the children, and they soaked up everything they were taught with exuberance.

Now it occurs to me that aging is only a feeling, and that recapturing a sense of wonder is the key to staying young. For these young people, imagination is large, almost dominant. All of their lives are still ahead of them, and they see no reason that dreams can't come true. The angel told Mary, " . . . nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37 NLT). Maybe the children are right? As we plan and organize for our new church year, why can't dreams come true? Why can't we have a wonderful time of worship as a church family? Why can't we see God work in a mighty way in our church? Why can't more people come to meet Jesus? Why can't we see young lives changed and new paths trod as we grow together and serve God and each other? Why do we feel we "can't" because we are "old"?

This week I have been thinking about the Scripture, "A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22 NLT). On Friday, after the last Baptism Class meeting, I went home, and Ruthie asked me the question, "How did the class go? I responded, "I feel young!"


I feel young!
Pastor Dennis