A Different Perspective (07/18/2025)

Last evening, Kenneth and I went on a date. Nothing fancy. The older we get, the less we are drawn to fancy. We just enjoy time together, watching the world and catching up with one another, no change of clothes required. So, we elected to go to Culvers for a sandwich, fries, and drink. Our date turned into more when the young man at the counter gave us something to think about.

We ordered our meals. Sam did a great job of ringing up our order. He gave us a total. I’d been watching his work on the screen and noticed he hadn’t given us our senior discount. I reminded him of that and added that it’s probably the only benefit of age. Sam apologized, added the senior discount, gave a new total, and then he gave us something to think about when he added, “Age also gives you a perspective we young people don’t have.”

Kenneth and I hadn’t thought of that. Sam opened our eyes to a truth we’d missed, to dots we’d not connected. And so, we had a topic for our date night, thanks to Sam.

Sam was right. So many times, I see individuals get bothered or perturbed by things that time and experience have shown me are inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. Age does help one to differentiate between the essentials and the non-essentials and to recognize the difference between tragedies and minor misfortunes. Age also helps one to learn some of the most important lessons of life: it’s all about relationships; none of us is perfect but we are called to be saints which means we are going to have to be open to change; there is a LORD God and it's not us.

Last night after our date, followed by a movie at home in our favorite chairs with a pause button for bathroom breaks and glass refills, we got ready for bed. I did what I do; I went to the porch to ponder my day and to further glean the truth and wonder from the days moments and encounters. And I thought of Sam’s wisdom and gift to Kenneth and me. It’s good to be challenged whatever one’s age, and it’s great to be shown gifts we haven’t recognized that cry to be unwrapped, used and cherished.

Age brings with it new challenges of mobility, of declining strength, of memories of life’s potpourri of joys and sorrow flowing from our relationship with family, friends, and even sometimes enemies. Hopefully each day is still seen as the gift it is.

This morning, I’m starting with a new perspective, thanks to Sam at Culvers. Today, I’m beginning with hope because what I’ve learned the most through this journey is that the LORD, our God, is loving and merciful. I’ve been working on living the life I was created to live for some time now. I don’t have it all figured out, but thanks to Jesus Christ, my Savior and LORD, I know I have a future, and with the help of the Spirit, my present stands a great chance of being blessed.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.