Age is just a number

I hate to see John Smoltz leave us Braves fans, but I wish him the very best. Smoltz and the Braves parted ways after he signed as a free agent with the Red Sox. The 41-year-old pitcher coming off of major shoulder surgery said he’s doing great and is confident he can contribute this year and even beyond.

He was quoted in the AJC as saying, “Age is just a number.” That’s right, and as we settle into 2009, we’ll add another candle to the birthday cake. Time marches on, and on, and on.
Yet, life gets better and better. As old Gus the cowboy used to say in the TV mini-series Lonesome Dove, “The older the violin, the sweeter the music.”

I’m as active as ever. Church softball, jogging, running 10K races, working out with my son ... if only I could do something about my rememberer. It seems to be clogging up now and then.

For example, I was really pleased to line up the Advent candle lighter for the Christmas eve service on Wednesday, Dec. 17, a full week ahead of time. However, in the midst of the last-minute “getting ready for Christmas,” by Sunday I’d forgotten I’d taken care of that item. So on Sunday, I must have asked six different sets of folks if they’d be here Wednesday night for the Christmas eve service and if they’d light the Christ candle and read some scripture. Everyone I asked was not available until I made a call on Sunday afternoon. That family said they’d be glad to help.

Thirty minutes after hanging up the phone, it hit me. I already had a commitment and I lined that up last week. So I had to call the family back, tell them the situation and ask for forgiveness. I was so embarrassed.

Maybe you can identify with this little poem:

My forgetter is getting better
But my rememberer is broke;
To you, that may seem funny,
But to me, it is no joke.

For when I’m here, I’m wondering
If I really should be there;
And when I try to think it through,
I haven’t got a prayer.

Oft times, I walk into a room,
Say, what am I in here for?
I wrack my brain, but all in vain,
And zero is my score.

At times, I put something away
Where it is safe, but gee!
The person it is safest from,
Generally, is me!

When shopping I may see someone,
Say “Hi” and have a chat,
Then, when the person walks away,
I ask myself, “Who’s that?”

Yes, my forgetter is getting better,
But my rememberer is broke,
And it’s driving me plumb crazy,
And that isn’t any joke.

Yes, age is just a number, but a mind is a terrible thing to lose. Before I forget, let me wish you a belated happy new year.

Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor, McDonough Road Baptist Church, Fayetteville. The church is located at 352 McDonough Road, just past the department of drivers’ services building, and invites you to join them for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m. Visit them on the web at www.mcdonoughroad.org.