Age is more of an attitude than it is a number of days lived. Some people refer to growing older as being “over the hill.” You can’t be over the hill if you haven’t reached the top yet!
Some people relegate themselves to the rocking chair as they grow older – others look for ways to keep climbing and be more productive. Let me share a few recent examples.
Ed Bray is a WWII veteran with two Purple Hearts and a dozen other medals. He kept a big secret – he was illiterate. At age 89, he decided to learn how to read and write. In March of 2013 he read his first-ever book, a third-grade-level biography of George Washington. He said, “Get in there and learn, baby, you ain’t going to learn in that pine box.”
Bob Adair is 89-years-old. He retired in 1975 from the Air Force and remained in Montgomery. He has been playing golf all of his life. He got his first hole-in-one at Arrowhead Country Club in June 2013! He is a good golfer, but at age 89 he did what 98% of golfers never accomplish – a hole-in-one.
Georgette Sadler lives in Montgomery. She is 97-years-old and a member of the Montgomery Capital Civitan Club, which focuses on improving the lives of those with developmental disabilities. She gave her fellow civitans a memorable experience when she hosted the club’s recent luncheon meeting! 97-years-old – and hosting her Civic club.
Betty White is 89-years-old. This year she was voted the country’s most popular and most trusted celebrity. A lot of younger women like Oprah Winfrey, Sandra Bullock, and Kate Middleton finished behind her. She is still accomplishing.
Richard Smith is 87-years-old and recently earned his Ph.D. in American History from Florida International University. He had his educational career interrupted by World War II. After the war he went into the clothing business. When he retired at 70 his wife said, “You need to find something to do.” He went back to get his Ph.D. He said, “It’s a good way to stay young. There are a lot of pretty girls here.”
Irene Johnston lives in Orlando, Florida and is 100 years old. She became involved with the Meals on Wheels program. She didn’t get involved to receive the meals on wheels – but to deliver them. She delivers meals to people 40 years younger than herself. Many of the volunteers are younger than she is!
I was preaching in Eufaula, Alabama. A lady in Frazer asked me to go see her grandmother who watched our worship services on television. She was 92-years-old. The pastor arranged a visit with her. She told me that she was sorry that I had just missed meeting her Sunday School teacher. When I looked a little surprised that she went to Sunday School at age 92, she said, “Well my Sunday School teacher is 100 years old. She was visiting with me a few minutes ago but had to leave because her computer class at the college meets at 2:00!”
Age should not be a factor in determining growth opportunities and accomplishments. It doesn’t matter if you are 9 or 90 – God has a plan and a purpose for your life. Check out how old Abraham and Moses were when God used them to influence the course of history.
If you didn’t know how old you are, how old would you be?
