Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday February 22, 2011

Yesterday's letter on the beauty of never being too old to set new goals and dream dreams, to have thoughts that stir your heart and those of others brought many nice comments and crabby ones. I was surprised by kind even hopeful ones and not so surprised from ones from old grouches. Having "tilted" my share of windmills, I must have a dream, even a fantasy to keep the fires burning or even get out of bed. One old crab assured me that I harbor false hopes in my dreams. To answer all I can really state with authority from personal experience is simple, a false hope is better than no hope.

The Germans have a word for those who grow too old to dream and while it is a German word it certainly puts graphic definition to an oft used American practice.

"Torschlusspanik."

As far as I'm concerned you may pronounce it any way you like. The primary meaning is "Gate closing panic" and usually refers to "the fear of diminishing opportunities as one ages."

If you think this fear is not prevalent just listen as some of our older folks sit around and talk, affirming that as far as they are concerned, “Their gate of opportunity is closed” and they might as well do a deep six. It is true that one gate of opportunity may close. For instance, I doubt if Jeter hears Lilly's footstep at shortstop for the Yankees. Yet there are more realistic "gates" that are wide open for me that are closed for Jeter. I have a 93 year old friend in Virginia who still pastors a church larger than the one I pastor. For that matter I can still outrun most members of pulpit committee's that would assert, "Oh, he's great, but the age factor bothers me." They need not worry, the Great Blonde would not move one inch farther away from the grandkids. By God's grace I have convinced the members of our church that due to the median age of the group, I am absolutely the best pastor for them. You do not have to attempt to enlighten them.

My long time much younger friend, Kenn Gividen sent this concerning "Geezers."

"This reminds me of Mike Flynt, the 59 year linebacker (in 2007) at Sul Ross State University. Flynt notoriously said, "I think it was Carl Yastrzemski who used to say, 'How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?'" Actually Leroy "Satchel" Paige made the statement, but a 59 year old college linebacker doesn't have to be precise on quotes. Check out Mike's story here: http://www.mikeflynt.com/news/Apstory.html

If you discover you are a victim of "Torschlusspanik" ask God to open the gates and dream on.

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2011 Use with credit

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