He still thinks that he's the man
That he once used to be
Boy, you're just thirty-nine
And you're dreamin'
Acting twenty-three
("39 and Holding" - Jerry Lee Lewis)
Most likely it's true. I do think I'm the man I was at 23. The leading indicator that I am significantly older than 23 is typically my body. If for some reason sore muscles and joints don't do the trick Shanna is usually a reliable backup to remind me of this.
This week I turned 39 so to many I guess this is my last year 'under the hill.'
I however, vehemently disagree. True - I don't always act my age. Some would argue that I rarely act my age. Irrelevant.
My issue is with this whole concept of 'the hill.' Who came up with this so called 'hill?' I can't help but think this is yet another ploy by Hallmark to help generate sales. It falls right in there with St. Patrick's and April Fool's Day greeting cards.
I don't really have any friends who are coasting downhill. Quite the contrary. They continue to work, they continue to serve. They continue to live out 1 Corinthians 15:58:
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know your labor for the Lord is not in vain. (NIV)
They're not coasting to retirement. They're not sliding toward the end of life. They're like John Bailey of Body and Soul Ministries who just came back from a trip to Cambodia where 92 were baptized. He's a little over 40 - like 30 plus years over 40.
My great Uncle Odell is another great example. Works and serves tirelessly at what will soon be 82.
The list goes on and on, literally. I could go on for days.
There's is no magical turning point - at least not in this life. There is no time where it all 'starts falling apart' or starts 'going downhill.' It's life at age 13 or 39 or 89. What you decide to do with it is what matters. Perhaps that's what really determines whether or not you feel 'over the hill.' Here's to staying on the hill. I've heard from those in the know that it will actually get steeper sometimes -even after 40. If you really think about it that sounds a lot like life now.
So I guess 40 really is just another number. We'll find out in about a year.
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2 comments:
Love this post! I don't believe in oldness, either.
But don't be hating on St Patrick's Day cards...those are a necessity so you can let the people who happen to have been born on that day know how awesome you think they are. :)
Great post David. I would agree that we should not feel like life is downhill after 40...and I have a couple of years experience in my 40's now!
One thing I love about Africa though is that they respect age and the aging process. It is so different than how we view growing older in America and I often find it refreshing.
Let's keep climbing that hill no matter how steep it gets and even if we have to use a cane someday!
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