This time last year, I was

writing about feeling slightly older as we graduated our oldest child

from high school, gained our third teenager, and licensed our second teenage

driver. My, how time flies!

Now I'm feeling even older

as we've graduated our second daughter from high school, helped our third

daughter gain her learner's permit, and prepare for our son to enter middle

school this fall.

I know time marches on, and

it's suppose to be this way. We rejoice in each success and celebrate

each rite of passage. But, my, the years seem to speed on.

This year is half over! It's

almost time to think about Christmas lists! School will be back in session

before you know it! I'll qualify for AARP before I know it!

As I begin to feel older, I'm

reminded once again that the Bible refers to age as an honor. When Abraham

died, the writer stated that Abraham died "in a good old age, an

old man and full of years" (Gen. 25:8).

In Leviticus 19:32 we read,

"you shall rise to give honor before the gray headed and honor the

presence of an old man." Proverbs 20:29 reads, "The glory of

young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray

head."

You've heard how to know when

we're growing older. You know you're getting older when you and your teeth

don't sleep together; you try to straighten out the wrinkles in your socks

and discover you're not wearing any; it takes two tries to get up from

the couch; you sit in a rocking chair and can't get it going.

Are there any benefits of growing

older? Reflect on these:

In a hostage situation you

are likely to be released first.

No one expects you to run

into a burning building to rescue anyone.

When people call at 9 p.m.,

they ask "did I wake you?"

There's nothing left to learn

the hard way.

Things you buy now will not

wear out.

You enjoy hearing about other

people's operations.

You got cable so you could

watch the Weather Channel.

You have a party and the neighbors

don't even realize it.

You quit trying to hold your

stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.

You are not expected to keep

up with technology nor understand it.

You get travel and entertainment

discounts.

People come to you for help

with their antique cars.

Your secrets are safe with

your friends because they can't remember them either.

You no longer think of speed

limits as a challenge.

Your congressman pays attention

to you.

People no longer view you

as a hypochondriac. They think you're a representative from a pharmaceutical

company when they see your collection of medicine bottles.

You're the only one who recognizes

the elevator music.

You get to enjoy grandkids,

and I hear that's a blast!

Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor,

McDonough Road Baptist Church in Fayetteville. The MRBC family invites

you to join them this Sunday for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship

at 10:55 a.m. The church is located at 352 McDonough Road.

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