Recently, while sifting through an old notebook I found a simple question that I must have written years ago.
The question while simple was deeply pointed and as I reread it I found myself reflecting deeply on my life and the trajectory of it.
What was this grand, thought-provoking question?
It was this:
“What kind of old man do you want to be?”
Every day we are becoming something or to put it more accurately, every day we are becoming someone. The kind of old man or old woman we become is largely up to the choices we make today.
While one could start a lengthy debate on the definition of “old” there is no debate whatsoever that we are all becoming older with each passing day.
As I pondered this question my mind wandered to a random scene that occurred in a McDonald’s some time ago.
As I recall I had stopped in to get a cold drink and a quick lunch and while I waited for my food I saw a man that I had met in my younger years and had observed from a distance for many years.
His name was Rev. Orace Wayne Willis and at the time he was every bit of 86 years old. The years had worn on him as he walked with head bowed and slow, shuffling feet. His face was wrinkled and his voice was voice was soft, almost a whisper as I recall. We didn’t talk that day as I didn’t want to trouble him, but I watched him.
I watched him speak gently to the employee behind the counter.
I watched him as he shuffled slowly to his seat and slowly back again as he picked up his food.
I watched him as he bowed his head in prayer as he thanked God for his meal.
I watched him as he unassumingly gathered his things and left the restaurant.
It was as he left that man sitting near me turned and commented on the obvious age of Rev. Willis and on the obvious challenges that came with old age.
His words to me were direct, “I hope I never turn out like that man.”
Just as quickly as he said those words I replied, “I hope I do.”
You see, my desire is to be the kind of old man that speaks gently to all, regardless of status in life.
My desire is to be the kind of old man that moves slowly enough that I am able to pause and recognize the blessings that are all around me.
My desire is to be an old man that bows his head in prayer and thanks God for all that He has given to me.
