Around July this year, I turned 34 years old. In the very same month, I remember quite clearly that another Chaplain said that 'It was 34, when I realized that my body didn't do what it use to do.'
Just recently, one of my good friends here in Baumholder, Brad Ellgen, said that he was preparing for death. He's about 54 years old and quite vibrant, so it struck me odd that he would say such a thing. He said he didn't want to be laying on his death bed and wondering if he had done all that he could have, or reached out. I think his thinking is more 'thoughtful', than bizarre or just down right strange. (Although, I have remarked many times that I found him somewhat outlandish).
So, is it proper to think about death...Is it right to talk about its closeness?
I know in the World its not a topic of discussion at all. I would say just the opposite is true. We are obsessed with looking young and feeling young. Facials or gym-memberships...not that they are 'wrong', but what is this obsession that a 50 year old man, can't look like he's 50 years old. Why must he want to look 24?
I just think looking 'grey' and wise can't be a bad thing. I personally don't to be a fat slob or a Couch-potato, although I think currently I am sprouting bud, but I don't want to deny the inevitable process of age.
"We long to be old when we are kids, and long to be kids when we get old.", I don't know who said it, but it seems for the most part true in this generation. Well, not for me. I gladly embrace the grey, the balding, and any other fine luxuries that are just around the corner. Why?
It is a constant reminder that this body is only for a season, and then the glorious Resurrection, where this flesh and bone, will be hurdling fences chasing the glories of heaven for eternity. So, each new bump and more hair in the sink...that's ok,
I guess, I am just getting ready for home.
Just recently, one of my good friends here in Baumholder, Brad Ellgen, said that he was preparing for death. He's about 54 years old and quite vibrant, so it struck me odd that he would say such a thing. He said he didn't want to be laying on his death bed and wondering if he had done all that he could have, or reached out. I think his thinking is more 'thoughtful', than bizarre or just down right strange. (Although, I have remarked many times that I found him somewhat outlandish).
So, is it proper to think about death...Is it right to talk about its closeness?
I know in the World its not a topic of discussion at all. I would say just the opposite is true. We are obsessed with looking young and feeling young. Facials or gym-memberships...not that they are 'wrong', but what is this obsession that a 50 year old man, can't look like he's 50 years old. Why must he want to look 24?
I just think looking 'grey' and wise can't be a bad thing. I personally don't to be a fat slob or a Couch-potato, although I think currently I am sprouting bud, but I don't want to deny the inevitable process of age.
"We long to be old when we are kids, and long to be kids when we get old.", I don't know who said it, but it seems for the most part true in this generation. Well, not for me. I gladly embrace the grey, the balding, and any other fine luxuries that are just around the corner. Why?
It is a constant reminder that this body is only for a season, and then the glorious Resurrection, where this flesh and bone, will be hurdling fences chasing the glories of heaven for eternity. So, each new bump and more hair in the sink...that's ok,
I guess, I am just getting ready for home.
Yeah old fogy, that's you ha ha ha.
ReplyDeleteWeldon