Here I am in the seventh stage of life – the final years – the golden days of living – the days when aches and pains are commonplace and getting out of bed is an accomplishment of ginormous proportions

In my book, “Stages – a Memoir” I refer to the seven ages of man written about in the Bible and compare them with those same years referred to by William Shakespeare – sprinkled with stories from my own past stages.

As I look at the world I’m today, It would be easy to beg God to take me to heaven right now, (not that I’m being demanding or anything) but that would be such a cop out.  Once we reach that seventh stage, we have opportunities we never did when we were children.  We don’t have the problems we experienced as teenagers.  We don’t stress over making an impression or living up to another’s expectations.  As parents we’re in a constant state of worry, over protection, hoping we’re doing the job right and making mistakes we never thought we would.  During those years of building a life, we are so busy, we forget to enjoy the moments we’re in.

So as time ebbs to a close, we should realize that there’s still something we can do.  Those things that concerned us in the past no longer hang over us.  Our time is pretty much our own and we have a great deal to contribute to society – even though the world’s view of the aged no longer is revered.

There are many opportunities to volunteer (way too many) – there are many that need to know about Jesus and His love for them (way too many) – there are those that can use mentoring, encouragement, financial assistance or just someone to talk to.  We are living computers with tons of information stored away in our short existence – we need to share those experiences, knowledge, talents and love with others.

The great commission was not simply intended for the young.  Us seventy somethings have a lot of living yet to do and so much to give back.  We can still change the world.