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How Old Are You?
Jerrie Barber

When asked about one's age, some people lie, some deny, and some camouflage the true number. But anyone who is living is getting older. What can my attitude be toward increasing age?

Appreciate Individuals, Not Age Groups

It is unwise to make a general statement about infants, pre-schoolers, teenagers, young adults, middle-agers, or old folks. Every person is worth more than all the world-regardless of age (Matthew 16:26).

Youth has the advantage of energy, enthusiasm, optimism, and usually a longer time to develop potential.
Older years bring added happiness if the increased age is accompanied by wisdom, pleasant memories, and service to God. "The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness" (Proverbs 16:31).

Let us look for the best in each person we meet., recognize it, encourage it, and try to develop it regardless of the age of the individual.

We Are Becoming the Person We Will Be

Some day most of us will meet an old person. He may be grumpy, ill-tempered, and hard to get along with. Or he may be gracious, wise, and helpful. But the good news is that I can choose this person that I must live with, because that person will be me. You and I are becoming the person we will be.
Tennyson expressed it this way:

Ah, what shall I be at fifty
Should nature keep me alive,
If I find the world so bitter
When I am but twenty-five?

Live Today, Content

Recalling the "good ol' days" is not a new practice. "Do not say, ‘Why were the former days better than these?' For you do not inquire wisely concerning this" (Ecclesiastes 7:10).

All of our time and thoughts should not be on the future to the exclusion of being productive today (Matthew 6:34).
We should serve well today, regardless of the number of birthdays. "For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Philippians 4:11).

Years ago, a little boy wrote a man and ended the letter with the statement, "I hope you live all your life." This can only be done when we thank God for today and today's opportunities and eliminate the excuses, "I'm too old," or "I'm too young.'

Rather we can say, "Thank God, I am alive. I will do what I can today."