Old is Gold
by Oliver Carlos
Recently, I celebrated my 50th birthday. I thank God for giving me another year. When I was younger, I don’t like mentioning my age. But as I grew older, I started getting loud and proud about how old I am. I realized that not too many people are gifted with longevity. It’s truly a blessing to be old and healthy. It’s an even bigger blessing to be old, healthy, and young looking!
The gift of youth is indeed a rare commodity, that’s why I really express my heart-felt thanks to God who gives me this. I pray that he will continue to bless me with many more healthy years ahead.
But how long do people usually live? The average life expectancy of a Filipino male is 68 years. Does that mean I have just around 18 years to live? To reach 68 and go beyond it is in itself a bonus from God, as half of the male Filipino population would die before reaching that age. The other half would live beyond it. That’s a simple way of understanding what life expectancy is.
Do I really have just a 18-year contract beginning this year? After it, will I be gone and done? How much do I really have left in my tank? Only God knows. That’s why the psalmist wrote in Psalm 90:12 (GNT):
“Teach us how short our life is,
so that we may become wise.”
Now what does it mean to be “wise”? Three things.
First, realize and acknowledge that God is the source of your life. We are all products of God’s grace. What we have, what we can do, who we are, are all from God.
Second, being wise means knowing the right thing to do with the rest of your life. Thank God every day you wake up. Do your work and activities joyfully and passionately. Give back to the next generation by imparting to them the life lessons you gained throughout the years.
Lastly, prepare for eternity. Establish that intimate personal relationship with God by allowing Jesus to take control of your heart and your life beginning today.
