Lighten Up While You Still Can
There are positives and pitfalls at every stage of life. Though we have been able to observe the examples of others, we never really come to understand these things until we experience them ourselves. One of the frustrations of the old is not being able to adequately caution the young against the pitfalls they will surely face themselves. The positives get swallowed up in pride, and the problems remain with us as wistful longings- “I wish I had known then what I know now.” As I reflect on my times, the shadow of regret lengthens. There are so many things I wish I had done differently. In some ways, it may be pointless to rehash events long-past because not everything is under our control, but I’d still like another go at what is gone.
The weakness of youth is inexperience. Old people know more than young people. It’s not that they’re smarter, but they know more. They’ve been around the block. They recognize the cyclical situations of life and, so, have a better handle on how to react (a lot of the time). Wisdom is gained as we age- at least to some degree. But, if young people are less experienced than the old, they are also more adaptable and resilient. Just as young skin is more elastic and young muscles regenerate more quickly, the young personality can absorb more difficulty and remain buoyant. One reason old folks like to be around younger folks is it reminds them of a different (sometimes happier) time. It’s too bad the young often have no time for us them.
In our later years, it becomes more difficult to let go. Hard to change. And we become trapped in patterns that are not good for us. We live in prisons of our own building. Personality traits that have been developing for years hem us in. We can become more meticulous and demanding as we lose our flexibility. I’d like to think, however, that we can keep the cute habits of youth from becoming certifiable neuroses. While we can change, we ought to change. Scripture teaches us that the possibilities outweigh the predicaments. God will work with us as long as we allow Him. That applies to the young and vibrant, as well as, to those more seasoned. There is hope in change if change is made in the right direction and under the right guidance.
As the possessor of a meticulous nature, sometimes I need to lighten up. It’s not easy to take it easy because I’ve been this way a long time and have lost the resilience of youth (Alright, I admit it!). Maybe you can identify similar issues within yourself. Just as I believe that little children are welcomed by our Lord, so His hand is outstretched to us all. Our relationship with Him is a life-long pursuit, and our need for comfort and correction never ends. The old-timers used to refer to yielding to Christ as “making the change.” I encourage you to do the same while you still can.
Sterl
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