“I’m getting’ old!” That is a statement I have heard myself saying several times recently. A few days ago I shared with a number of people in our community and county that while I’m getting old, having served our area for some three decades and more, I am so thankful for the great number of young people who are part of, becoming part of, and stepping up into positions of leadership, working hard to help make and keep our community a great place to live and work.
That brings to mind the writings of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I really don’t know exactly how old he was when he made that statement, but I’m also reminded of another passage in Numbers 13.
After seeing the giants in the Promised Land, 10 of Israel’s 12 spies came back and said, “It can’t be done.” But the other two, Joshua and Caleb, said, “It can."
Because of Israel’s unbelief, Caleb had been forced to spend 40 more years wandering through the wilderness. And by the time the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, he was 80 years old. Then another five years passed before the various tribes of Israel were assigned land to occupy.
Here’s how Caleb described it all years later: “I was 40 years old when Moses … sent me … to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly” (Joshua 14:7-8 NIV).
If you have a negative attitude when you’re 40, there’s a good chance you’ll have one when you’re 85. Actually, there’s a good chance you won’t even make it to 85!
Psychologist Martin Seligman studied several hundred people in a religious community. He divided them into quartiles, ranging from the most to the least optimistic. Ninety percent of the optimists were alive at 85, while just 34 percent of the naysayers made it to the same age.
Twelve spies went out, but only Joshua and Caleb had the faith to say, “We can do it.” And 45 years later, Caleb was as feisty as ever!
Want to guess what happened to the other 10 spies? They died. None of them made it to Caleb’s age.
Bottom line: Faith and optimism can add years to your life. Yeah! I’m gettin’ old, but the real truth still is: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Talking about getting older, did you know that one of the best things older folks in our community can do is join the wonderful young people who work hard to serve and bless all us older people at the Perry County Senior Center every day the center is open? The fellowship and blessing that come through the times we spend sharing, caring and growing together are without price.
Thank you, Jennifer, Aileen, Cat, Mary Ann, Toni, Jen, Nina, Vince — and the list of wonderful young people who serve in the Meals on Wheels program goes on — for being such a blessing to all us young, old folks. You are precious. Every day, you show that you and I can do it!
