The Silver Lining

My son calls it his "silver lining". He is referring to his slight beginnings of gray hair. He is only 24, but it makes me feel old, none the less. My mother said the gray must come from the other side of the family because our side always covers ours up. That made me chuckle.

It is funny how our views of what qualifies someone as "young" and "old" changes significantly as we age. Heck, there was probably a time when I thought 24 was old, a long time ago! As I get older, I do my best to find ways to keep feeling young. I am not sure why I chase it so. After all, when I was young I wasn't that bright (even though I thought I was). I didn't have the value of all of that life experience yet. I still mess up royally and regularly, but I learn…I grow…and hopefully become more like Christ in the process (and less like my "former self") I need to take advantage of that silver lining of wisdom I have gained over the years and hopefully pass it on to the next generation and encourage others. Does that mean I will let my hair go gray?…probably not anytime soon. That's for the other side of the family... In what ways do you wish you were younger? What life milestones have made you feel older and wiser? Do you feel younger on the inside than you do on the outside? Do you feel that there are less mentors that have walked the path in front of you than there used to be? Can you name some people who have been a mentor to you? What was unique and special about this experience for you? In what ways can you use your wisdom to encourage someone following on the path just behind you? Scripture: "Therefore do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16

"I will be your God throughout your lifetime--until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." Isaiah 46: 4 Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? Job 12:12 Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions. Ecclesiastes 7:10 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it. 2 Timothy 3:14