Growing Old

Today was a rather average day. I began the day in the same manner as usual. I began to write on the majesty of God, and I knew this would be a writing I would rejoice in while writing. As the day progressed, I needed to make a run to the store to pick up a few things.

During my shopping, I wandered through the store in search of the items on my list, surprisingly not getting much more than I went after. When I approached the checker’s station, there was a family ahead of me and their situation was seemingly difficult for the young girl at the register as the family divided the products in their carts and paid for them in several separate segments.

I personally am seldom impatient, I have found that to be a form of self-inflicted torment. Eventually, I was at the register and the girl began to ring up my items. I was thinking about scripture more than anything as I was standing there.

Somewhere in the short time following, I heard the voice of a child or young person ask, “is it sad to get old?” I wasn’t sure where the voice came from or to whom the question was directed. I paid for my items and as I made my way home, I began to think about that question. I mentally placed myself in a situation where I might have to answer, “is it sad to get old?” The following is my response to a child who posed that question to me.

I have lived! I grew up with a loving mother that cared for and loved me greatly, a grandfather that is still to this day, in my mind and heart, the greatest man I have ever known, two grandmothers that loved me dearly and freely showed that at every opportunity, and a  sister whom I love and am close to.

I had two aunts and two uncles that were more like siblings to me due to our ages, one of whom we lost when I was four. I had two great-grandmothers that I knew loved me. My family traveled and I had the chance to experience many things. We lived in several places and I attended several schools, which broadened my horizons.

My eldest aunt, my father’s sister, was a born teacher and she spent great amounts of time teaching me at a very young age, giving me a huge advantage in my scholastic endeavors. I began school able to read and write, and she and I still talk to this day.

My grandfather taught me so much and was more like the best father and life guide than anything. Growing up I made great friend. Sadly, we moved away from some while others are still friends. I had my first horse when I was four years old and rode many years of my life.

I have worked cows and sheep from horseback in roundups. I have lived in better times than we experience today. Many times I walked a mile with friends in elementary school to get lunch at a small convenience store without worry. I rode my bicycle everywhere with and without friends and knew no concern during those days.

I began learning to fly at age 12 with my father who was also a pilot and I had the opportunity to fly several aircraft. I received my first motorcycle at age 12 and still ride today. I raced motocross, drag bikes and road-race bikes and won more often than I lost. I have been faster on the back tire of a motorcycle than most people have ever traveled on land.

I began learning to weld at age 13 and later found myself welding for my living a few short years later. At age 15, I had a part-time job welding and worked at a full service gas station to support my motorcycle interests and to have money for dates. I have dated some of the most beautiful women you could imagine and married one; we are still together.

I have worked for and with great men and bad men. I have known very hard times and very good times. I have watched great men fall and lowly men rise. I have eaten the best food in the best places and eaten the worst food in the worst places. I have awakened in the most peaceful and comfortable places and awoke in the most dangerous and wicked places.

I have conceptualized, designed, and built things that still save lives today. I have traveled the world and witnessed wondrous places and horrifying as well. I have worked as hard as most men have ever worked in the worst conditions, and have trained to exhaustion so many times it boggles my mind thinking of them. All this and much more.

I cried out to my Savior at age 35 and experienced the love of His Grace. I have been on fire for God and fallen away in a back-slidden state. I have discovered that to live in accordance with God’s Word is far better than living for myself. I was blessed to be chosen into the ministry several years ago and dedicated the rest of my life to the service of my Lord. This writing is a product of that service.

So, to that small, childlike voice I would say this, “No, child, it is not sad to grow old. For me, I have lived!!”

The key to what you have just read is to experience and cherish life. In the bad times, learn and gain strength. In the good times, cling to those memories and cherish them dearly. But most of all, seek the presence of the Lord God always in all things!

Lust imitates LovePride imitates Joy
Sin imitates freedom
Satan imitates God
Don’t be deceived by counterfeits!

Kenneth Kellar
A Man Called by God to Teach and Disciple