We recently had a memorial gathering for an elderly friend who passed away last October. It was her birthday and her daughter arranged a beautiful time together with friends from church. It was enjoyable being around that group of people. There was a time for sharing remembrances of our friend, Dot. When it was my turn, I shared a reading from a book that Dot gave me in 2012. It was a gift given to her husband in 1965 called Light From Many Lamps.
The selection I read was from Sir William Murlock (1843-1944), a Canadian lawyer, businessman, educator, farmer, politician, judge, and philanthropist. His Wiki page says, “In later life, he was known as the ‘Grand Old Man’ of Canada.” Quite an influencer!
Upon his 95th birthday, there was a great gathering to which he gave an insightful speech about growing older.
“I am still at work, with my hand to the plow, and my face to the future. The shadows of evening lengthen about me, but morning is in my heart. I have lived from the forties of one century to the thirties of the next. I have had varied fields of labor, and full contact with men and things, and have warmed both hands before the fire of life. The testimony I bear is this: that the Castle of Enchantment is not yet behind me. It is before me still, and daily I catch glimpses of its battlements and towers. The rich spoils of memory are mine. Mine, too, are the precious things of today - books, flowers, pictures, nature, and sport. The first of May is still an enchanted day to me. The best thing of all is friends. The best of life is always further on. Its real lure is hidden from our eyes, somewhere behind the hills of time.”
The shadows of evening lengthen about me, but morning is in my heart.
What a beautiful thought and perspective to pursue. Dot was that way. I remember her expression when she regarded a beautiful day, “God, you did it again!”
Mulock died in 1944 at the age of 100, but on his 95th birthday, he gave us a challenge and a great example. Dot did the same, though unfortunately, she did not live 100 years. She did, however, live her years with beauty and grace.
Which makes me wonder how I’m living my days. I told some friends recently that I was approaching 60, with a bit of wistfulness in my voice I’m sure. For a moment I forgot to whom I was speaking. From her wheelchair at the nursing home, one of my 92-year-old friends said, “Oh I was just a young person when I was 60!” I felt a bit sheepish at my self-reflection at that point.
The truth is I can’t wait until I’m old to have a good perspective about growing old. For one thing, I may not get old - a reality we all face. But it’s also true that we are carving out the person we want to be as we live each day. That’s what makes today so important. It’s why we keep morning in our hearts as we face the evening shadows.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23
I’ve met many elderly Christians who had sparkling attitudes and through their aches and pains managed to give encouragement and grace. Such was our Dot. I’ve also met some who could turn a sunny day into earthquake weather.
In the end, I’m not going to become something different magically one day. I’m going to be who I am, and that is going to be determined each day. “The best of life is always further on. Its real lure is hidden from our eyes, somewhere behind the hills of time.”
Maybe a first step is to wake up each day saying, “God, you did it again!”. Thank you, God, that I had the chance to know Dot, and the promise to see her again in the regeneration of all things.
Linkage
My recent sermon on Forgiveness was well received. You can hear, read, or see it HERE. Subscribe there to receive sermon and Bible class notes.
Ever since I read James Clear’s Atomic Habits, I’ve been fascinated by the concept of habits. Bill Murphy shares five habits to stay alive HERE.
The Duck Commander, Phil Robertson, offers a truth about how we can have peace of mind in such perilous times in his post: Let’s talk about Fear, Illusions, and Chinese Spy Balloons.
Craig Conaway reflects on When Jesus Is Asleep in Our Boats.
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