and the One who walks with me on it.

Friday, March 30, 2012

What’s Wrong With Old?




       The other day I happened to tell somebody that I am part of the old people’s group at church (hubby is in the age bracket so they have to let me in…), and they calmly told me that was the wrong terminology for the group.  They went on to say the government was even looking in to changing the word ‘seniors’ as it is also being considered poor wording.  My opinion is that it is all in your perspective- I like ‘old’.

       Old (or extra old) cheese is virtually the only kind I’ll eat.  Its flavour and texture is much more appealing than the other varieties.  Old recipes passed down from generation to generation are certain to be tastier and enjoyed with gusto.  For those who like whisky, the longer it remains in the cask, the more it matures or ages, and is considered better.

       Trees are natural organisms that improve with age.  Older trees make for larger cuts therefore are more useful, and they tend to have the most interesting patterns.  Did you know there are trees over 4000 years old?  One study I read indicates older trees know how to better use CO-2 for growth.  Antique furniture or collectables are not only popular, but worth a lot of money (some more than $10 million).  Old books are considered rare.

       Old cars are considered classics, valuable and beloved by their owners, and desired by others.  They are well cared for and treated with respect.  Each one is unique and has its own ‘personality’ and supporters.  People who drive these ‘old’ cars have an immediate connection to each other that you can see in the many car shows that are just for fun.

       And who wouldn’t rather walk through old architecture rather than monotonous modern buildings?  The pyramids, the Forbidden City, the Sistine Chapel, the Taj Mahal vs. Chrysler Building, Sydney Opera House, the Gherkin.  Which ones would you enjoy spending more time in?  A friend once told me you could hardly walk into a building in Ireland without realizing the history and character of the building, so much more fascinating than modern buildings.

       In the same way, people are also better with age.  Yes, bodies may decline but old people are better matured, more flavourful/ interesting, have the most interesting stories, are more useful especially in the area of wisdom (Job 12:12) and advice (for they know how to do thing better by much experience), and of greater strength of character/ personality.  ‘Old’ people are valuable, beloved, and worthy of our honour (Lev. 19:32), support and respect.

God worked through Moses most when he was over 80!  Old people have an important job to do!!!

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. Ps. 71:18 



For an interesting list of 53 things that get better with age, paste this to your browser: