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ON AGING WELL
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7, NIV)
There it was, right at the top of the leaderboard, the name of one of my favorite PGA Tour members: Fred Couples. Just a few months ago I was
wondering how his year would go. Now, at least for this one round, he was in form and leading the pack. I was happy for him and hoped the success would continue.
Inwardly, however, I didn't think it would.
There are just too many incredibly talented young guys on the Tour hungry for their first victory for a guy pushing 50 to be competitive for an
entire tournament. When round four was over, he was tied for 42nd.
Personally, I think that is an incredible accomplishment. This coming October, Couples will be 49 and he is still competing—but not like he used to.
Growing older is not something we do very well in our youth-oriented culture. In fact, now that you know today's focus is about being old, I
imagine those of you under 40 will hit the delete button just about NOW.
I will be 60 in two years. I am at the point in my life where as soon as I get rid of the pain in my foot, my elbow starts hurting. I have to take
reading glasses when we go out to dinner. More details would be way too much information.
Yet there is an upside. And these are the things I would like you to ponder today. (By the way, pondering is something only old people have time to
do.) Here are a few gifts that come with growing older:
– Truth is more expansive. Now I can listen to two people talking, both saying the opposite thing and hear the truth that both are speaking. In
fact, I can listen to someone from a completely different background and hear truth in what they are saying. I am comfortable with what James Fowler calls polar tensions in my life. Before, things seemed
so clear. I knew God and what God wanted for my life. Now, things are a bit messier and less clear.
– Love is more inclusive. The parable of the Good Samaritan is having more impact on my life. The answer to "who is my neighbor?" is
expanding. I am learning to see the image of God in all those God brings into my life. Before, my definition of neighbor may not have included that person, and definitely not that one.
– Work is more creative. Doing God's will is a playful act of improvisation. Where can I see God at work today and how can I join in with my part?
God is always there before I arrived. The Spirit is being poured out on all flesh and God is working where we might least expect it. "Oh God, expand my vision to see how and where You are
moving!" Before, I knew the boundaries of God’s work. God could work here, but God would never work there.
Growing older has its advantages. If his back holds up, Couples will do well on the Champions Tour. When I'm 60, the Lord willing, I will hike to
the top of Half Dome in Yosemite. Most importantly, I will continue the journey into this mysterious, wonderful and glorious God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Brad Davis
March 25, 2008
Copyright 2008 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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