The New Sixty

My senior artists at the nursing home were thrilled to see I had brought a Model T Ford photograph for them to draw. They all said they were, "Of course too young to have owned one themselves," but their parents all had them.  I had a full class, all regulars now. It seems to be a highly popular activity at the Nursing Home. One lady always shows up late, always seems a little 'out of it' mentally, and never seems to understand why she is there. And every time, I put the picture in front of her, hand her a pencil, give some instructions, and leave hoping against hope she will catch up. When I check on her periodically, she has drawn a beautiful picture that looks remarkably like the model. And every single time, as she stands up to leave, she tells me, "I'm not much of an artist...." and looks at her lovely drawing as though wondering who drew it.

The whole class drew earnestly, and all chatted about their memories of their parents' Model T Ford. I am getting tough on them as their skills increase. I actually point out where they have not drawn portions well, and show them how to correct that area. They are the best students I have ever worked with, always eager to fix what they have done wrong, and never defensive about it. When we finished, I surveyed their work, and said, "You know, you are all improving! I am so thrilled! Are you seeing that you are getting better?"
"Yes," they all said.

One lady stopped me on my way out.She had been an art major in her high school days, she told me, but then career and children took over, and she had not drawn in decades.
"The first class with you," she told me, "I was not very good. I didn't think I could do it any more....but now..."
She proudly held up her drawing of the Model T Ford.
"Are you happy with it?" I asked her, smiling.
"Yes," she said, "It is all coming back to me."

Ninety years old is the new sixty! I hugged her and told her no one is ever beyond learning new things.
"No," she agreed.

As though that was not rewarding enough to give me a reason to live, I had a wonderful blessing from two of the young mothers I counsel who chose life rather than abortion. One texted me to tell me that she would read her Bible, and that she considered me a blessing. (Awwwwwwww!) The other was in despair as she didn't know how she could pay for the huge list of back to school supplies for her other children. I put out a Facebook plea, and within minutes had 4 people text me that they would supply those needs.

Lord Jesus, some days I am so overwhelmed by your love and the wonderful beauty of the souls of human beings that I could cry. I know we humans are often a deluded, despicable lot, but I am also amazed at times by the kindness and love of fellow Christians, who desire more than anything to show your love to others. Thank you for that incredible blessing. Thank you for people who have walked this earth for twice as many years...almost...as I have, but still recognize that life is a gift to be seized with joy and passion and we should never stop learning, never stop loving, and never stop seeking the miracles of God.

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Proverbs 16:31 

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.

Job 12:12 

Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.

Isaiah 46:4

Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

Psalm 71:18 

So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Psalm 92:14 

They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green,