Was that the phone or my pacemaker calling?

It's already Wednesday, February 9, 2011 and this year seems to be rolling along. I know most of you must think I am somewhat overly excited about where I fit on the age scale, especially as I am nearing that important life cycle number of 65. I am in the midst of a transition because of all of the above. The societal implications of growing older are certainly an influence and I have already been the recipient of some slights, intended or not, because of my age. The web is filled up with photos and videos of old people making fools of themselves. There does seem to be a sense in which those who enter the 4th quarter of life are seen as being either used up or past it. I suppose I am fortunate in some respects to be a part of the leading edge of the boomer generation because sheer numbers do cause advertisers to pay attention. Some say the public sign changes being mandated by the federal government has an element that recognizes the millions upon millions of boomers out there driving. According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, baby boomers are a fiercely independent lot, and the last thing they want to hear is how that they are getting old. Therefore, many companies, from car makers and music producers, to manufacturers of all stripes are finding subtle ways to tap into this huge market while respecting their independent spirit. That same WSJ article stated that the 76 million potential boomers already account for one half of consumer spending in our country. And, we've all learned that we live in a world where money is what drives just about everything. It may not buy love but it sure can get the attention of those who want you to spend it with them.

They are fiddling with how best to get our attention. We've been branded in the past with names like senior citizen or elderly and we all know what comes to mind when someone says, the old folk's home. These may not work for those who were the movers and shakers in the 1960's, 70's, 80's, and beyond. Those in the selling business are busy. They are increasing the font size on many of their packages. They are changing their marketing strategies where an adult diaper will be seen as just another underwear choice. They are even working with color schemes that more favorably accommodates the aging mind. All of this is well and good but for me the concept of respect and honor is where there needs to be some changes made. Maybe the boomers will make an impact but for the most part we do live in a society where being young and vibrant dominates. You say perhaps I didn't think about this when I was a part of the young and vibrant age bracket? You would be wrong. I can say this because I have always, as a teacher of God's word, tried to present the biblical view on aging and I will say it again, for the first time: Whatever God has to say on any subject is where we should start, stay, and end. I don't want to be respected because now I am older. I want to live in a society that respects the older folks because that is how God says it should be. It's impossible to know how much could be gained from the collective wisdom of older Americans if society saw them through the lens of biblical truth. It's just as impossible to know how much the older folks would change in their participation in every phase of society if that underlying principle of honor and respect were in place. We do know the impact would most likely be huge and positive. These are good areas to consider and some we all have to deal with because each of us have to make a choice how we personally will view older people.

I am not lobbying for some personal perks here. The commandment of creation included an innate honor and respect for parents but this was codified when made a part of the Ten Commandments: "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12) But wasn't that a part of the Old Testament? It was but many hundreds of years later the Apostle Paul demonstrated both it's relevancy and its current application when he reminded his readers in Ephesus, Greece: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3) That's the foundation that under girds the family and our nation. When that piece of the framework is missing or diminished for any reason whatsoever, then we end up with a crisis of what to do with our aging population. I know there are always mitigating this, that, or the other, but I am speaking to the issue of keeping the foundation both solid and sound. Just so you know, I don't feel used up yet, or past it, although I may have to take a little more time to keep up. And don't forget to remember that if you hear this huge noise, it may not be a sonic boom, it may be the rally cry of the boomers. I'll leave you now so you can consider whether that is a promise or a threat. May God help us all to do our best every day, even as we slip and slide around, to honor Him by living by His truth. Amen.                  ......More later.