GROWING OLD(ER)

             This Friday Liz and I will attend the “Golden Bulldog Lunch” at Samford University. As the name implies, the lunch is for Samford (Howard) graduates who finished their degree fifty or more years ago. The truth is, I finished fifty-six years ago and Liz finished fifty-four years ago. I rejoice to attend and fellowship with some other old people. But being eligible to be a part of the lunch affirms once again that we are getting old(er).

            Growing older has its own positives, but this occasion will provoke the memories of how great it was to be a college student in the 1950’s. It was a relative innocent time and peaceful time. The Korean conflict was ending and the Vietnam War was not yet on the radar. The post World War II boom was still progressing. Most of us were far from rich, but we had all we really needed. And most were experiencing upward mobility.  Rock and roll music was bursting on the scene with Elvis, Buddy Holley, Fats Domino, and others. There were the great experiences unique to the college, the A Capella Choir, the classes, preaching trips for H-Days, even the hour long trolley ride going to and coming from campus.

            We cherish that time but also cherish each part of life. Wise King Solomon said, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Also, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (3:8) Our task is to find the beautiful in every season, at every age.                                                                                                                  

Grace and Peace