Out Dated

Getting old sucks.

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.  For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

What is that perfect age we all want to be?

When we are children, we look forward to birthdays.  They are a sign of maturity and seniority.  The older we are, the more respect we command in school from the other children.

We attribute wisdom to age, up to a point.  When we pass our middle ages, we become out of touch, ancient, ignorant of new technology and cultural changes.

We become out dated.

Some seem to age more quickly though than others.  The body starts to break down and they slip away.

While others stay strong and active well into old age.

What makes the difference?  Is it genetic, environmental, or something else?

I wonder how much mental attitude has to do with it.

In today's reading, Paul tells the members of the church to look at this life as a temporary inconvenience in a much more beneficial journey, culminating in eternal joy.

Whatever we are going through now, it will pass and what comes next will be better.

Does that help us want to live longer, or go sooner?

I think it all depends on how we feel about ourselves.  Do we see ourselves as having something valuable to offer the world around us, or do we feel we have outlived our use?

What comes next for all of us will be good.  We believe that, and we can put our faith in that.  So why not enjoy the bets of this life while we can?

If we feel there is little left to offer, we should go out and find places and people in need of what little we have to share.  In sharing, we discover our worth and purpose.

That is why Jesus told us to give what we have to the poor.  We are poor when we feel we have no value, yet in sharing what little we have, we become rich.

Let's stop feeling old and get out there.

More to come...