‘Old age is a state of mind.’
That’s what someone told me a long time ago. I can’t remember where I heard it or who said it (is that a sign I’m getting old??) but it’s a quote that comes back to me every so often.
Yes, I realize that I’m still considered a whipper-snapper by some, and I know full well that I’ve still got a lot to learn. But I do have a few miles on the odometer, and there’s a danger that comes with that experience.
- Thinking I’ve heard/seen/done it all.
- Closing my mind to new ideas.
- Being resistant to change. Settling down into the comfortably familiar.
- Looking at upcoming leaders and thinking they have nothing valuable to offer.
- Getting grouchy, cynical, or (God help me!) crusty.
These are just a few signs that old age is settling into your spirit. They point to a problem inside a leader: they’ve gotten old while they aged.
Let me explain…Aging isn’t optional, and it’s different than getting old. What I mean is this: everyone ages, but not everyone grows old. The years roll by, but some people are able to stay fresh in their spirit. Birthdays keep coming (aging), but some people don’t succumb to hardening of the spirit (getting old). If growing old truly is a state of mind, then I want to do something about it!
Sometimes I catch myself thinking that it’s best to stay with what I am most familiar with. Sometimes I get scared trying to learn new things. ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,’ but the fact is, you’re never too old to learn something new!
‘God, as I age, keep me from getting old…‘
Speaking of new things, it’s been quite awhile since I attended Youth Convention. Friday we’ll pack the vans and head to Charlottetown for the weekend with 20 teenagers! I’m really pumped! I’m praying that they will allow God to do something amazing in their hearts, and I’m hoping to get to know them better. All in all, I think it’s going to be a ‘groovy‘ weekend! HA! That sounds OLD!
What are the ways the Lord is helping you to stay fresh?
