A Word from God’s Waiting Room

Why 83?  For one thing, I just celebrated my 83rd birthday.  Boy, we had a great party.  In fact, the celebration went on and on.  Well, o.k., for three days of getting brought uptodate, reminescing of past times, of great food–just being together. . 

There are a lot of good things about reaching your 83rd.  First, you get visits from your children and your grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  It is always good to have family with you on your birthday.  Second, you get lots of cards, not only from family members, but from friends of many years.  Some of the cards allude to your age, your health, your good qualities; some are funny, one or two from good friends who know you would not be offended,  border on vulgarity. There was one I wouldn’t dare open and read while sitting in the church sanctuary–I’d have to burst out laughing.  Third, people don’t expect much from you.  Fourth, people are quick to forgive you for not remembering their names or similar facts.  Fifth, you glow when your Bible Study Class members sings the “Happy Birthday” song to you.  Sixth, you feel good about yourself when people tell you, “You don’t look to be 83.”   

At this milestone, you know you’ve outlived a whole host of people, so one becomes thankful to God for good genes, good health, a loving  wife, and good children and grandchildren who didn’t contribute to your thinning gray hair.  My difficulty in rising from a chair reminds me that 83 is good, but also that the climb won’t get easier.  So, a great big THANK YOU to you family members and friends for making No. 83 so special.  Of course, I’m looking forward to No. 84, maybe more.