Tried, Tested, and Tempered
Thursday, October 12, 2023
“Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen.” – Mark Twain
Two weeks ago, I turned 64. I can’t believe that in less than a year, I will qualify for Medicare. Geez, where did the time go?
In some ways, I still feel like the idealistic kid who grew up in a small town in New Jersey idolizing baseball players, past and present, and dreaming of being one someday. However, in some other ways, I feel every bit of my 64 years. In fact, when I woke up the other day, I said to Deanna, “My knees are barking.” It wasn’t like I did something the day before to make them ache; they just decided to do it on their own for no reason at all. I guess that’s what I get for playing competitive sports for more than 50 years… and refusing to stop now.
And yet, as my outward man is clearly perishing, my inner man is being renewed day by day. Unless I am kidding myself, I think I am much wiser than I once was – having been tried, tested, and tempered by six decades of life on planet Earth – and I now know what is important (and what isn’t).
When we became full-time stationary RVers almost two years ago, it was to simplify our lives so that we could concentrate on what really matters: ministry and family. I am determined to spend however many years the Lord allows me – and my dwindling but still substantial energies – in His service.
As Mark Twain said so succinctly, if only I had known at age 18… when I was full of vim and vigor… what I know now. But alas, that is never the case for any of us. We learn as we live and then try our best to apply those lessons for God’s glory and the benefit of others, especially those nearest and dearest to us.
Remember the movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button? The lead character, portrayed by Brad Pitt, starts his life as an old man and gradually ages in reverse. By the end of his long life, he is physically an infant, but with dementia.
Hmmm… I think I prefer life the way God intended.
“Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD.” Psalm 25:7 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
