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Happy Holy-Smokes-it’s-May Saturday, friends!

This morning started at about 45 degrees here in Amarillo. Yesterday, I was in the grocery store and I overheard one of the employees ask another one, “What’s the deal with 60 degrees in May?”

I thought to myself, “Bless your heart, you must be new here.”

I happened to be standing close to the recipient of the question, so I looked at him and said, “It’s about like 95 degrees in February.”

He agreed. That’s Amarillo. We get all 4 seasons here. Sometimes all 4 in 1 day.

This past week I spent a delightful 4 days leading worship for a Senior Adult Revival at the First Baptist Church of Pampa, TX.

Such precious folks—many of whom have been walking with Jesus longer than I’ve been breathing!

One man that was there every day let me know that he was 99 years and 2 months old. I guess when you’re creeping up on 100, every month is noteworthy.

As someone who qualifies for most senior discounts and is less than 8 months from qualifying for all of them, I do quite a few senior events.

I mentioned that to them the first day and told them about all the youth and preteen camps I did years ago. I told them I’m not getting invited to do camps anymore.

One lady told me I’m not invited to do camps because I don’t wear skinny jeans.

Ain’t nobody needs to see that!

My hymn today was new to me, written in 1984 by Anglican Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith.

The Wikipedia page dedicated to him concluded with a list of “selected works.” Everything listed was written in 1989 or later—the year he turned 63!

Is it possible that he spent the first 6 decades of his life gaining the experience necessary to make his greatest contributions between the ages of 60 and his death at 97?

Some things require the strength and energy of youth (like the guys who are building a patio cover in my backyard this weekend).

Some things are only possible for those who have gained wisdom through the long haul of experience (which often includes a LOT of mistakes).

Wouldn’t it be cool if the various generations held each other’s strengths in high regard, and figured out ways to journey together more meaningfully and effectively?

My Bible reading this morning was a portion of Psalm 119. A couple of verses (30 & 32) really spoke to me:

The life of a Jesus-follower begins with a decision of the heart—to choose and follow the way of faithfulness. To live God’s way.

And then we run the race.

At some point it may be more of a jog, walk, amble, stroll, limp, crawl …

You get the point.

The idea is that we move forward, putting feet to the decisions of our hearts.

And here’s the part that only comes with time, experience, and consistency: “you have broadened my understanding.”

I have often asserted that great certainty accompanies youth.

Wisdom is not knowing a lot; it is recognizing how much you don’t know.

And that recognition should lead us to lifelong learning.

To broader understanding.

In my early 30s I wrote a song entitled “The Wisdom of Years.”

The refrain:

I’m now approaching the age of the people I was thinking about then.

And there are so many ways God has broadened and deepened my understanding in the 33 years since I wrote that song.

I spend a lot of time with people who are younger than I—trying my best to pour out some of what I have learned from my experiences without making them feel like I’m talking down to them.

They can teach me some things as well if I’ll listen.

I also treasure the times I get to spend with folks in their 70s, 80s, and 90s because they’ve walked where I haven’t yet.

Lord, help us to run together in a way that makes you smile and broadens our understanding of and love for You and each other.

Be amazing today, my friend.