CLM 449 Youth of Old Age

Sat, 11 Oct 1997

------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: Pastor Ron Clarke Subject: CLM 449 Youth of Old Age Date: Thu, 17 Jul 1997 00:36:13 +1000 Clergy/Leaders' Mail-list No. 449 THE YOUTH OF OLD AGE Someone once said that old age is when you know your way around but don't feel lke going. Victor Hugo remarked that, "Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age," and someone named Albert Fletcher said that, "Old age is the time when men pay more attention to the food than the waitress." And a dear old lady of 85 was asked at what age a woman ceases to find men attractive? She replied, "Ask me again when I'm a little older." These are only silly labels stuck on to a much more important issue. This is the time of life when our children have gone out into the world; hopefully the house is paid for and our personal responsibilities have diminished somewhat. For the first time in our adult lives we have time to think - think about the past and about the future. For many, that lessening responsibility leaves space in our mind for a syndrome I will call 'WHAT IF'. Never underestimate the unsettling and destructive power of 'WHAT IF.' WHAT IF I had done this or done that? WHAT IF I had married so-and-so? WHAT IF I hadn't been an insurance salesman, or a policeman, or a shop assistant, or whatever, but instead had done something really dramatic like discovering a cure for a serious illness, or found gold, or climbed Mount Everest, and had become really rich and famous? It sounds silly doesn't it, but few of us as we approach or pass middle age could truthfully admit to not having such a flight of fancy and at least once entertained the possibility called WHAT IF. We can all be insulated against the unsettling and demoralising effects of WHAT IF if we have the right relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves. We should know that our course in life has been pre-destined; what we have achieved or failed to achieve has been due to our obedience or otherwise to God. The important thing is not where we have been but where we are going. If we have done wrong we know we can be forgiven. We have the assurance and confidence to look to the future. It probably isn't your birthday but congratulations are due anyway because today is the first day of the rest of your life. Yet many people, particularly those who do not have a right relationship with God, are worried and depressed about the future, and perhaps about retirement. Yet for years we have been limited in what we can do because of parental responsibilities and the need to earn a living. Suddenly, the whole world is open to us. We are not heading for the scrap heap but into the most exciting period of our lives. Optional Bible reading: 2 Peter, chapter 1, verses 3 to 11 This is one of a series of messages of encouragement originating from the Huon Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. A companion Bible study page is available each week. To subscribe direct, email with the words 'subscribe word (or) word and study' Enquire about our weekly 'Kids World' email newsletter for young people. Pastor Ron Clarke (Mark 16:15) Email: ron@pastornet.net.au Internet Home Pages: http://www.pastornet.net.au/word4week (Kids World) http://www.tassie.net.au/~rclarke ____________________________ Clergy/Leaders' Mailing List (Moderated) This mailing list is open to all Christians via Internet e-mail and most fax destinations. Submissions welcome: clergy@pastornet.net.au To unsubscribe, e-mail to: clergy-request@pastornet.net.au with SUBJECT reading UNSUBSCRIBE Copyright: Postings may be re-sent ONLY with all copyright notifications intact. A PastorNET ministry: manager@pastornet.net.au

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