As a child and as a teenager, I have vivid memories of my parents taking me along on various vacations and trips. We would attend shows and attractions, all of which were geared to their age group. I recall scanning all the old folks around me at these functions. All the gray hair, facial lines, loose fitting clothing, canes, walkers and lots of coughing. All of them were very kind and friendly, but I remember feeling so out of place among this crowd. I was a young kid. I had nothing in common with these people.
Facing ‘weird’ reality
Those memories came back to me recently. Sharon and I were on a vacation trip out west. We stayed at a large hotel, and when we came down for breakfast in the morning the dining room was quite crowded. I took a moment to look around as I was eating my scrambled eggs and oatmeal. It dawned on me that I was seeing those same faces. The gray hair, the facial lines, loose fitting clothes, canes, walkers and yes, still lots of coughing and throat clearing. Then I came to a sobering realization. These aren’t my parents’ peers. They are mine.
When I got back into the room I glanced into the mirror. I looked just like them. Weird. I don’t feel inside as though I should. I’m not ready, but time can’t be stopped. It runs behind your back, silently, without drawing attention. Then one day it jumps out in front of you and takes you by surprise.
I thought about that verse in the book of James that says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
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Face in the mirror
So true. All of those old folks I saw in my childhood have vanished, as have my parents. It’s my turn now. The gray hair, the lines in my face, I see now they are blessings. They are evidence that God is not finished with me. Not ready to turn me into mist. He’s allowing time for me to be the kind and friendly senior, to smile, to encourage, to support, to comfort.
Your cycle of life is running as well. Probably faster than you comprehend. The face in your mirror can be a good reminder of where God has you in His plan.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Ken Lass is a retired Birmingham television news and sports anchor and an award-winning columnist for numerous publications and websites.
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