What is Old?

When Rachel started her nursing training and I started my teacher training ‘old’ was anyone over forty. Over the years the (often unspoken) rule has been that anybody twenty years older than me is old…

Ten days ago, we met with friends who did their nursing training with Rachel; yesterday we met with friends who did their teacher training with me. On both occasions we asked if we’re old… we’re pensioners with bus passes and senior railcards… caring for (more) elderly parents and friends.

Musing… Getting, being old… Am I old?  

Gratitude for the Present: Yesterday Ipswich Town (whom I don’t support!!) were celebrating their return to the Premier league: An open top bus parade… thousands of supporters… Portman Road… through the town centre… the Christchurch Park party. In recent years the team have enjoyed good times, suffered tough times. Yesterday they were celebrating.

Together with our friends we remembered good times and difficult times from the past, but were grateful for what we have today – health, families, friendship, faith…

Accepting Problems: Yesterday I read an article that started: ‘Protecting our precious habitats is key to changing declines in UK wildlife…’ However, there are homeless families that need affordable accommodation. New housing estates are planned and built, but are insufficient. The conflict between nature and development will always be there.

When we were younger, we thought that problems were there to be solved. As we’ve got older, we’ve realised that problems are part of life. We’ll keep working at our difficulties, but some will never disappear.

Moving Forward: This morning, in my Bible I read: …Ezra returns with the exiles to Jerusalem. Problems have to be dealt with, but then they must move forward. …Jesus appears to Peter after His resurrection. ‘Lectio365’ says: ‘Peter reminds me that having faith doesn’t require the absence of failure, but simply the courage to move towards Jesus again.’

Whatever our age or life experiences, we can never stay where we are. We must always take the next step and move forward.