I’m on the outskirts of middle age.  The northern outskirts. Never thought much about it or saw it coming.  Once, I had the unpleasant experience of being pulled by a peace officer in the wee hours of the morning.  He said to me, “I’m surprised you didn’t see me sitting at the Dairy Queen.” I replied, “To be honest, sir, I didn’t see the Dairy Queen.”  We both enjoyed that one, and he showed mercy on my lead-footed soul. Living fast, middle-age was here before I knew it. Now, it’s almost gone.

I’m only at middle-age if I’m going to live to be over one hundred twenty.  For some, middle-age may be eleven or nine. Simply stated, we don’t know how long we’re going to live, and I’m closer to the end than the beginning.  A former changeling, I’m getting set in my ways. That is, I’m more reluctant to start new tasks than ever. It’s time for me to take my medicine who has been preaching on the ravages of time.  Sunsets are pretty but sad. Sometimes, I feel the sun’s going down on me.

We are always saying that the young must not see themselves as too young to serve God.  I believe that’s true, but the converse is also true. For the seasoned, it’s not too late in the day to be of service to God or refuel for great tasks.  I am reminded that the biblical owner of the vineyard looked for workers all day though he knew those hired last would only serve an hour. Some may have a brief time of service, but that does not mean it is inconsequential.

There are people who can do quite a lot in an hour.  Youths tend to fritter time away, but each moment is precious to the aged.  We may even be more focused and productive when physical strength and raw ability diminish.  We’re not as quick, but we’re smarter. I’m not morbid by nature, but, periodically, I remind myself that the day I’m living may be my last.  That being true, I need to use time wisely. You may feel it’s late in the day yourself but live it to the end.

One asked Yogi Berra, “What time is it?”  He queried, “You mean now?” I must confess I really don’t know the time.  What I do know is that I have less time today than ever before to do what I must.  The second coming of our Savior is nearer than ever, and people have less time to make things right with God.  Jesus said we should pay attention since we don’t know how long we’ve got.

Wherever you are on the continuum, don’t let your remaining days slip away.  They may be your finest hours.

Sterl