I’m innocently checking out a couple of books from our public library.  Since I never carry my library card, I recite from memory my card number to the librarian.  An older man overhears what I say and shouts his card number at me, saying, so the whole building can hear, ‘not many people our age know their library card numbers by heart, do they?’  What?  Who’s he talking to?  ‘…people our age…’  Our age?  This old duffer is way past his sell-by date.  Who’s he squawking at?  I look around. They must be hiding.  Can you blame them?   Unfortunately, there’s no one else standing near him.  Just me.

Here’s a better word that I can also hear.  Psalm 90:10–‘The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.’  This is better?  Life soon gone?  Sliding away as if coated with greased lightning?

Should I get all weepy-eyed, down in the dumps?  That’s one option, but not what’s recommended.  Later in Psalm 90, better ideas are put forth–‘So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom…Satisfy us…with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days’ (vs. 12, 14).

Make each day count.  Cherish each one, especially as they’re nurtured by God’s love.  Spend time praying.  Dig into your Bible.  Quality and quantity time.  This time for Jesus.  Give carefully but generously so your money promotes God’s work.

I’ve noticed that the older I get, the more I’m aware of Jesus’ love and care.  More experience with answered prayers.  Some answers are yes.  Some no.  Some wait a while.  Some ‘you’ve got to be kidding!’  Even then, I’m more apt to pray than gripe, turning quicker to Him, trusting Jesus a tad more.

Have I arrived yet?  ‘…people of our age…’?  Made it as a Superbowl saint?  Perfect in every way?  Humble and proud of it?!  Well, you know.  But I am getting there, slow as molasses, even on good days, moving ahead at a snail’s pace, plugging along with that slowpoke tortoise.  Progress noted.  More ahead.  He’s not done with you or me yet.

By the way, remember that not ‘many of us our age’ can recall the numbers on our library cards.  Remember that, if you can.  I do!

Lord, it’s good to grow old with you, getting closer and closer, day by day, moment by moment.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.