Day 310 And Now?

 

11/6/2025

"Childhood ends the moment you step over

a mud puddle than jump in it."

 

I guess that statement qualifies me as a child locked up inside of an aging adult's body. The only thing is that this aging adult doesn't feel all that old most days, in spite of the pain. I've learned to move past those hindrances and handle what comes my way without too much fuss. I've decided that it's better to stay lost in a world that's safe, or at least I feel my life is safe, than to put up with the "adult" behavior of this world. Here, in my safe place, I don't have anyone trying to push off an agenda on me or force me to do things that don't seem right to be doing. I can live, laugh, play, dance, frolic in the sun, or do whatever I like on my time - or not! I'm free!! Like most older folks I get plenty of scam calls, emails and the like trying to "give" me something "free" because of my age, but it seems like a rip so it probably is one. Nothing is free without some kind of a hitch. That's why I'm glad that I had a daddy who taught me the better part of valor. Honesty and hard work.

I spoke briefly with my 92 year old friend today, and he wanted me to read his latest marching orders he has for something coming up soon. We are warriors under the Commander of the Armies of Heaven, so we get our marching orders directly from Jesus. We've been friends for about 40 years, and the strong connection comes from being in the service of the King. I don't think my aged friend jumps into many mud puddles or even balances on curbs, but his daily attire consists of pajamas, a bathrobe, bedroom slippers, and an old hat. He is not intimidated by anyone. He's earned his leisure and is free to be! 

So...what can I tell you to make your life better? That is the general idea, right?! In a world where things are not as they should be - note my careful wording - we walk quietly, circumspectly...with the high praises of God on our lips! I really am making every attempt to be joyful in spite of all the negative behavior I am seeing and sensing in our nation today. But, my strength comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. Let all the nations praise Him. We don't look at what is happening and fear, yet fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So, we trust in the Lord, and our hearts are quieted. Even in the storms. 

Why do people always feel the need to slam dunk each other? What ever happened to friendly debates or graceful rhetoric? Or am I just too old, remembering times when that type of exchange between opponents was possible? Just because views are different, conversation should always be courteous with cordial debates not slanderous and combative in nature. Personally, I have been witnessing shameful episodes, along with the rest of the world. Is this what we want to teach our children who will one day be in positions of leadership in various occupations in our nation and community? It certainly isn't the way I was raised to be, and I am very grateful for the discipline I did receive when I was young and disobeyed the rules. Breaking the rules should bear consequences, otherwise the lesson is lost. All people should be taught to value life and walk in integrity.

When I turned 68 in 2018, my friend gave me a little book for my birthday written by Suzy Toronto entitled "Age is Nothing but a State of Mind." Perhaps she thought I needed confidence in knowing that I wasn't yet at the point of no return in life. It's a sassy little book celebrating what the author called "the Wild Wacky Wonderful life." She shared her secrets of enjoying life at any age, doing what she liked to do, the zanier the better. Not a bad way to live, because she had good clean fun, in a healthy atmosphere, with the people she loved. I'm sure she had a well-adjusted, normal life, but she embraced it with her idea of fun. One of the introductory chapters is entitled "Growing Older is Mandatory but Growing Up is Optional,"  followed by "Pretending to Be a Normal Person Day after Day is Exhausting." Get the general idea? As one who still enjoys climbing trees, swinging from vines, and dancing in the rain, I can appreciate her thirst for life in an entertaining way. Why should the youngsters have all the fun?! Or, do they? Being a child in this world isn't like it was in my day. Back then we were able to create our own fun, have our own adventures, use our imaginations, and on rainy days when we had to be inside, we would play games, bake cookies, help papa in the workshop, or read endlessly. Today children have a 24/7 babysitter with their electronic devices while their parents work. Not all families have both parents working, but many do. I salute the single parents who go over and beyond for their children. Like Ben Carson's mother who worked two jobs, so he could go to medical school. And what a fine surgeon he became, and more importantly, a spokesman for God. This is a different world, and as I said previously, even schools are much different. A child isn't allowed to be a child, growing up innocently. 

So what's next in this life? Here in Virginia? In New Mexico? In the entire United States where Congress can't seem to work together to take care of the constituents who voted for them. It makes one wonder what happened to the promises made for the vote. Perhaps now, someone may truly sit up and take notice and educate themselves rather than listening to empty promises. In Virginia things will be different next year. Babies will be at higher risk again. The good things done hopefully will not be undone, although it seems as if this is the way  it goes. So many government leaders are straying towards the darker side of the way they view the good of the people. Really these once respected leaders have entered the wide way, not the narrow way that leads to eternal life. Our State needs Jesus. Our nation needs Jesus. What will it take for the world to wake up and realize what is happening, especially for the sake of our children. We cry out to the Lord. Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come!