Older People?

Hey Partners & Friends,

I remember when Pam and I were the youngest people in the room, it happened often, more often than not. That has changed and it seems to have crept up on us unaware. I find myself talking about “older people” and then reality slaps me, I’m talking about people younger than me? Dang. I guess denial doesn’t have any age limits. Old people are everywhere, driving down the highway, in the super market, restaurants, at the checkout line, church, in the restroom (there are always old folks in the restroom) I know this because, ahh, never mind. The point is they are everywhere. And here’s the deal, everything they do is slow. If you get behind them in a hallway, you may as well forget about it. They walk in the middle of the hall and there is no graceful way around them. You either have to push them out of the way or reschedule that prostate exam. The only place I never see any “older people” is working behind the counter at QT? I guess they would have to rename the chain. Quick Trip would not be appropriate where people would have to spend a large part of eternity trying to pay for prune juice and gas. Oh, let’s just not talk about old people and gas. The point I’m trying to make is this, I don’t know when it happened but it happens. Now Pam and I are typically the oldest folks in the room, any room. At this juncture I better note a disclaimer for clarification, and to be able to sleep in my bed tonight, Pam is much younger than me. So I am generally the oldest person in the room, just so you know. Why am I ranting about all this old timer stuff? Because sometimes people think old folks are done, just because they are slow. This is how we look at it at Celebrate Recovery.    

“As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God?
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.” Psalm 71:14-20 NIV.

God help us, even in our old age to bring this message to others, new generations, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Thank you for continuing with us as time and seasons pass.

Jim & Pam