“It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 AMP)
Last night I was joking with one of my sons and my wife about “you know you are old when…”. One of my expressions, easy to state because of personal experiences is “You know you are old when you get out of the bed in the morning and you are walking down the hall like one of the dancers in the Thriller video; dragging one foot in a rhythmic form as you choreograph your way through the house.” Of course I demonstrated for my son and wife, in perfect form and in a zombie like fashion mind you, just so they knew what I meant. They roared with laughter.
Now this morning, I got up late, about 4:30 a.m. I usually never have to wait for the alarm clock. But this day was different. I quickly slide; yes I slide to the left; slide out of bed without music, and I turn to the right to shut off the alarm clock on the dresser. I’m walking in the dark. The only light present was a reflection of the light from the cable box that was reflecting on all my pictures in the room. Apparently I lost my directional bearings. Can I blame it on the cable box light? Well, that does not matter. As I start approaching the door, I bump into a chair that sits on the east wall of the room. Now the door is on the south side of the room. Yet, I’m persistent at first. I try to adjust to dodge the chair, but I keep running into it. Bump! Bump! Bump! Bump! After four bumps, I finally figured out I was not walking toward the door and turned counterclockwise to exit the room. This is a good spot perhaps to talk about how we come to our senses when we realize something we are doing is sinful, but let me just keep adding to my “You know you’re old” routine. “You know you are old” when you continuously, repetitiously, repeatedly keep going in the wrong direction; hitting the same object like you are the steel ball in a pin ball machine complete with complex barriers. Don’t be alarmed. That does not usually happen! I’m fine! But let me add some other statements to my “You know you’re old” routine. “You know you’re old” when you can merely open your eyes or realize you are still in the land of the living; blessed to see another day. For real, it is a blessing to see another day where you are “older” regardless of your age. Here’s another one, “You know you are old” when you keep on pressing on, in spite of new obstacles you face as you age in a time where adversity seems ageless. You’ve learned to trust in Jesus. You’ve learned to trust in God. You’ve learned to be content. How about one more, “You know you’re old,” at least a day older, when you are able to realize that the Lord has left you here in His creation for a certain purpose; specifically His purpose.
This is Saturday morning! Let’s stop focusing on me and put the focus on you. I thank God – that He woke you up and started you on your way! I thank God – that He still has “purpose” written by your name, inserted in His heavenly kept job description! I thank God – that you can say, “I know I’m older,” perhaps not really old, “because the Lord has let me see this day that He has made.” Oh give thanks to the Lord! Do it again! My question for you, “What are you going to do with this day?” Oh, I know one thing you will do. You will get your mind ready for Sunday service, but what else are you going to do that relates to God’s purpose for you. Think about it! Act on it! And say right now, “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Be blessed!
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1 NIV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King