"AHM A-GRUNTIN"
Today’s the day— May 5, 2023. The seventh anniversary of my tenth birthday. (For those not-so-skilled in math, that means I hit the big 7-0). “Time flies” is now more than a catchy phrase. “It seems like only yesterday” is no longer a mere reminiscence. “Where did the years go?” is a legitimate question I can ask. Overnight, I’ve been catapulted into the wonderful world of old age.
With fervor, I embrace James 4:14, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (ESV). Likewise, I shout a hearty amen to 1 Peter 1:24. “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
Growing old is a fact of life we’re forced to accept. But considering the alternative, it’s not so bad. Each day is a gift from God. Three months ago we were awakened to that reality, like a bucket of cold water in the face, when we learned of Linda’s stage-four cancer. Life truly is fragile, brief, and precious.
Turning seventy also reminds me of Paul’s declaration in 2 Corinthians 4:16. “We aren’t depressed. But even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day.” Can I get a witness?
The first place I preached was a small church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Linda and I were in our early twenties. One of our members was a precious saint in her eighties named Ellie. One Sunday morning Linda asked, “Ellie, how are you doing?” In her heavy West Virginia accent Ellie replied, “Ahm a-gruntin’, Linda. Ahm a gruntin.” Through the years, Linda and I have chuckled at her comment. But now, as we groan with the aches and pains of simply getting out of bed… well, let’s just say the humor has dwindled somewhat. Now it’s reality.
“Ahm a-gruntin’ is catch-phrase that captures the actuality of aging. It’s a byword for my generation—a summary of senior citizen-hood. So if you see me rocking back and forth as I attempt to get out of a chair, and ask how I’m doing, don’t be surprised if I reply in typical Ellie fashion, “Ahm a-gruntin’, Ah’m a gruntin’.”
UPDATE ON LINDA: After a rough couple of days, Linda has bounced back and seems to be doing better. She’s still quite weak. Please pray for her strength to increase, and that she’s able to consume all her food and drinks.
Principle: Life is fragile, brief, and precious.
Ponder:
On a scale of one to ten, how well do you embrace the reality of aging?
What helps remind you of the truth that life is fragile, brief, and precious?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study James 4:13-17.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the milestones in our lives. As each year passes, draw us closer to you, and remind us of the brevity of life on earth, and the reality of eternity.