CALEB IS NOW EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS OLD, and he’s remembering back to when he was forty. Through all this time, his positive attitude hasn’t changed. He tells us the secret of maintaining a great attitude throughout a long life: “I wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God” (Josh. 14:8). That’s Caleb’s secret: The Lord is his partner, the source of his strength, and the reason for his positive spirit.
What about us? Our choice of attitude as we add up the years rests with us. It’s not where we live, how much money we make, whom we’re married to, or how the kids turn out. It’s our attitude. My friend, you have the choice of being either a drag and a burden or an inspiration and an encouragement. I have five suggestions that will help you be an inspiration:
You have the choice of being either a drag or an inspiration.
Your mind is not old. Keep stretching it. Do more that involves you actively and less that entertains you passively. Read more books and watch less television. When you’re with other people, talk about ideas and events. Look for opportunities to stay engaged. How about memorizing fifty Bible verses this year? That’s less than one a week. You might say, “I don’t know, Chuck. My mind’s tired.” I have news for you: Your body can get tired, but your brain never wearies.
Your life is not over. Keep enjoying it. The best partner to take with you throughout the day is a great sense of humor. Keep your spirit up with a little bit of enjoyment. I used to laugh with my granddaddy till I almost wet my pants. He said the funniest things at times, and he didn’t even mean to be funny. He was just upbeat by nature. Who doesn’t want to be around that? It’s an attitude; it’s not about age.
Your strength is not gone. Keep developing it. Caleb says, “I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then” (Josh. 14:11). How can we be like that? Look for ways to help other people. Volunteer. Get involved in the community. Maintain a vigorous exercise program. It’s amazing how these things help reinvigorate your strength.
Your opportunities have not vanished. Keep pursuing them. Instead of starting your day with a sigh, think of the hours you’ve got in front of you as gifts from God. There are still surprises that await you and wonderful, unexpected opportunities. There are treasures yet to be found and truths yet to be discovered. Pursue them.
Your God is not dead. Keep seeking Him. Center the Lord in the very core of your being, and keep Him right in the heart of your day. Start with Him, stay with Him, and think His thoughts after Him. Believe His Word and trust Him. Then when you meet Him face to face, you won’t be meeting Him for the first time in a long time, because you’ll have talked with Him that morning.
Life is so brief—it’s a very tiny slice in light of eternity. Jesus had thirty-something years and finished His work. You may finish yours at thirty-three or at eighty-seven. You don’t know how long you’ll have. Don’t wait for something to happen before you engage.
- TSSB
What about us? Our choice of attitude as we add up the years rests with us. It’s not where we live, how much money we make, whom we’re married to, or how the kids turn out. It’s our attitude. My friend, you have the choice of being either a drag and a burden or an inspiration and an encouragement. I have five suggestions that will help you be an inspiration:
You have the choice of being either a drag or an inspiration.
Your mind is not old. Keep stretching it. Do more that involves you actively and less that entertains you passively. Read more books and watch less television. When you’re with other people, talk about ideas and events. Look for opportunities to stay engaged. How about memorizing fifty Bible verses this year? That’s less than one a week. You might say, “I don’t know, Chuck. My mind’s tired.” I have news for you: Your body can get tired, but your brain never wearies.
Your life is not over. Keep enjoying it. The best partner to take with you throughout the day is a great sense of humor. Keep your spirit up with a little bit of enjoyment. I used to laugh with my granddaddy till I almost wet my pants. He said the funniest things at times, and he didn’t even mean to be funny. He was just upbeat by nature. Who doesn’t want to be around that? It’s an attitude; it’s not about age.
Your strength is not gone. Keep developing it. Caleb says, “I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then” (Josh. 14:11). How can we be like that? Look for ways to help other people. Volunteer. Get involved in the community. Maintain a vigorous exercise program. It’s amazing how these things help reinvigorate your strength.
Your opportunities have not vanished. Keep pursuing them. Instead of starting your day with a sigh, think of the hours you’ve got in front of you as gifts from God. There are still surprises that await you and wonderful, unexpected opportunities. There are treasures yet to be found and truths yet to be discovered. Pursue them.
Your God is not dead. Keep seeking Him. Center the Lord in the very core of your being, and keep Him right in the heart of your day. Start with Him, stay with Him, and think His thoughts after Him. Believe His Word and trust Him. Then when you meet Him face to face, you won’t be meeting Him for the first time in a long time, because you’ll have talked with Him that morning.
Life is so brief—it’s a very tiny slice in light of eternity. Jesus had thirty-something years and finished His work. You may finish yours at thirty-three or at eighty-seven. You don’t know how long you’ll have. Don’t wait for something to happen before you engage.
- TSSB
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