Recently when I told someone my memory isn't what it used to be now that I'm 53, she replied, "Oh, you're still young". I didn't feel young, but her remark got me thinking. In New Testament times, a woman of 53 would have been very old indeed, since the average lifespan was around 30. When Elizabeth,the mother-to-be of John the Baptist, was referred to as an old woman, she was probably about my age. How times change. When I was 20, I thought people in their 30's were old. Then I got to be 30 and realized how wrong I'd been. What is old? Here are some insights from the internet; (I first saw these at bowling):

1. I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.
2. My wild oats have turned into prunes and All Bran.
3. I finaly got my head together, and now my body is falling apart.
4. Funny, I don't remember being absent-minded.
5. All reports are in, life is now officialy unfair.
6. If all is not lost, where is it?
7. It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.
8. Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant.
9. I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few.
10. Kids in the back seat cause accidents.
11. Accidents in the back seat cause...kids.
12. It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere.
13. Only time the world beats a path to your door is when you're in the bathroom.
14. If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would have put them on my knees.
15. When I'm finally holding all the cards, why does everyone decide to play chess?
16. It's not hard to meet expences, they're everywhere.
17. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
18. These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter...I go somewhere to get something and then wonder what I'm here after.

God responds to people who use the excuse of being too old the way God responds to those who say they are too young or too anything to do God's work - No you're not. You are just what I need at this moment. God speaks words or reassurance through Paul in Romans 8:28, "We know that in all things God works for good with those who love the lord, those whom God has called according to God's purpose." Old, young, in-between, we are called, "according to God's purpose", and equiped with everything we need to do God's will. Some of us may not be able to touch our toes or remember what we're here after, but there are still lots of ways we can serve God. So have a happy summer and remember to watch for God in all you see and hear and do.

God bless you this summer,

Jean L. Marsh

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