NEVER TOO OLD
John Whittemore
Imagine setting world records in track and field at the age of 105. My friend Gary competes in Masters Athletics, which are age-category events in outdoor sports. On October 5, 2004, at an competition in Santa Barbara, CA, Gary observed an elderly couple shuffling across the field, each pushing a walker, a rather bizarre sight at a track and field event. Gary inquired, “Who’s that?”
“John Whittemore,” came the reply. Instantly, Gary recognized the name. John Whittemore was a legend in track and field. Credited as the world’s oldest athlete, now six weeks before his 105th birthday, he was attempting to set a new world record in the javelin. “Who’s that with him, his wife?” Gary queried.
“No that’s his daughter,” his friend informed him.
After requiring more than forty-five minutes to traverse the 100 yards across the field, Whittemore grasped his javelin, hurling it with all his might. It fell to earth eleven feet away, a new world record for the 100-105 year age group. Not bad for a guy born in 1899, who lived in parts of three centuries!
As we advance in years, we naturally slow down. But a huge gulf exists between decreasing our hustle and giving up on life. Just because our energy wanes, is no excuse for vegetating in our Lazy Boy, watching re-runs of Gilligan’s Island all day. Seniors possess gifts acquired by years of experience, such as wisdom, priorities and perspective on life, enabling them to serve in ways others simply can’t. Mentoring youth, hospital chaplaincy, intercessory prayer... the list is endless.
In the Bible, Caleb exemplifies one who refused to “rust out.” As the Hebrews were dividing the land of Canaan, at the age of 85, Caleb requested an area located in an enemy stronghold. “Now give me this hill country... the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said” (Joshua 14:12).
John Whittemore certainly displays the "Caleb spirit," setting world records at 105. Ironically, that was Whittemore’s last competition. A few months after his 105th birthday, he passed away. Today, at the Santa Barbara Masters meet, the award for the outstanding athlete is "The John Whittemore Memorial Trophy." He remained active to the end, trudging across the track, with his daughter at his side, tossing the javelin right into the record books. His life proves we're never too old to...
What limitations are holding me back from stepping into who God designed me to be?
What steps can I take to rid myself of these excuses?
"Lord, regardless of my age, fill me with the Caleb spirit."