Now and Then I Feel the Same
There was a time when I looked at people younger than myself today as old. I would wonder what it was like to be in their shoes and how much differently they viewed the world than me. As sure as the imaginary line at youth camp, one day I would cross the border of maturity never to be the same again. As the years have rolled over me, I am still wondering where that line is. Once a ninety-two year old man said to me, “I know I’m old, but I don’t feel old.” That man has long passed on, but his words remain fresh in me. I understand the feeling.
Maturity is more a state than a date. Once, I saw an interview on television with a youngster that had won a gold medal at an event for children with disabilities. When asked how he felt to have won, he replied, “The thing you have to remember is that, every time you win, someone else has to lose.” It would thrill me to hear those words from the self-centered idols (American or otherwise) that we honor for accomplishing less with more. Growing up is not the same as maturing, and, sometimes, youth possess wisdom we lose in living.
See, I have found that not all my thoughts and desires have changed over the years. I hope that I have made some progress, but I’m not confident enough to take a poll. While I know a little more, many of my hopes and desires remain the same. In youth, our goals are unspoiled by crushing reality, and our aspirations soar. It doesn’t take long, however, before pragmatism becomes the order of the day, and dreamers are not the same as doers. In the passage of time, we come to understand the meaning of limitations and the world beyond graduation day.
To hold the wisdom of years and have the joy of youth without cynicism or frivolity would be my desire. I don’t think that is possible for the unbeliever. Johnny Cash once said, “Life is rough, and, if a man’s gonna make it, he’s gotta be tough.” The rigor of living is more damaging to those without Christ because they themselves are their only resource in trouble and pain. Their joy is misapplied and their despair more dark. The believer has the hope and solace of Christ and the calm assurance of eternity evergreen.
I was fortunate to have come to Christ in childhood. My young heart rejoiced at the future that living for Jesus held for me. When I answered the call into the ministry, it seemed to me that there was no limit to what could be done- what I could do- for the Savior. Realities limited the possibilities in my experience, though, as they do in every life. Yet, I feel the same. And all those who are true Christ-followers do, as well. Be happy with the life that is lived in God’s will and that the kingdom, power and glory are His forever.
Sterl
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