Today is my birthday. I am 55 years old. Some days I feel old. Some days I feel like I’m just getting started good.
But this specific number – “55” – comes with an “old age” stigma. I keep thinking about this group they had at church when I was growing up. They called it the “Double Nickle” club. It was for the “old people” at church and they met once a week for lunch and games. Probably Bridge. That strikes me as a game for old people because my grandmother played Bridge every week with a group of friends. But I digress…
So, one day not long ago, I was thinking about turning 55 and it hit me – the “Double Nickle” club was for people 55 and over. I am now old enough for the “Double Nickle” club. And for the senior menu at iHop.
I must look it too. A few weeks ago my husband and I went to see the new Star Trek movie. He dropped me off to buy the tickets while he parked. The young man at the ticket booth quoted me a price less than I expected for two tickets. When I questioned him, he told me that included the “senior discount.” Turns out the “senior discount” is for those 62 and above. The young theater employee just assumed I qualified.
But I really don’t feel “old” – most days anyway. But, ask me again some morning after I worked in the yard for hours the day before. Funny, my Bridge-playing granny told me something about aging when I was little that I still remember. She said, “Your body ages, but your soul never does.” I didn’t really understand her statement then, but now I think I do.
God created us for eternity. Oh, yes, we have a temporal, physical “tent” that breaks down and falls apart. But God’s purposes for His children are eternal. And He wants to keep using us here on earth as long as He allows us to remain.
But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.
For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.
Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.
They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”
Psalm 92:12-15
Here’s my conclusion. I am not necessarily “old,” but I am “older.” And until God is finished with me here on earth, I am certainly not “done.”
So no “retirement” for me. Nope. As long as I’m able, I want to serve the Lord and His people. On that day when God calls me home, I want to be able to declare with the Apostle Paul:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
And discounted movie tickets and cheap pancakes are just an added bonus!
After reading this wonderful article written by a “child” my daughter’s age I feel officially old! I remember I wouldn’t ask for my senior discount for several years after I was eligible because I was mortified to admit my age. Now, I don’t need to ask … they just give it to me!
Good article, Kathy. It reminds me that I’m not “done” yet either.
Happy Birthday
Hi Mrs Jobe! (Not sure I can bring myself to call you Barbara!) The times I spent at your house with Kristi were some of my best memories! Would love to see you both. Maybe God will allow our paths to cross over a “Senior” meal one day!
Happy Birthday Kathy! I hope you’re not old, I turned 55, three months ago! Thank you for another, much needed, great post. Have a blessed day and may this be your best, healthiest, most rewarding, productive year for the Lord yet!
Thank you Brenda for the warm wishes!
I just turned 60 a little over a week ago and the way I see it, is that I’m the lucky one compared to those who are younger, since I am retired and have more time now to serve our Savior! And aging gracefully is following God’s plan for us; we are wonderfully and perfectly made, if we listen to Him and not the world!