Good morning y'all. Hope all is well on this Thursday, March 6, 2025. I am an observer. Perhaps you are too. My observation of folks in and around my circle indicates that people who reach the age of 80 begin to show signs of decline. I mentioned to the wife how it seems those reaching that age tend to get there and then fall off the cliff. I know that's not a technical analysis but since I am fast approaching that particular milestone maybe that's why I am fixated on it, (18 months away). 
Here's the expert opinion which popped up on a Google search: "People often begin to experience noticeable decline around age 80 due to the cumulative effects of natural aging processes on the body, including decreased muscle mass, reduced cognitive function, changes in brain structure, weaker bones, and potentially increased prevalence of chronic health conditions, which can collectively impact daily activities and overall well-being; however, the rate of decline varies greatly between individuals and depends heavily on lifestyle factors and genetics." My intention is not to dwell on a negative in today's episode but I'm talking about it for a reason. I notice that whenever someone does end up dealing with some of these challenges the response from others is often surprise. Really? My point is we shouldn't be surprised when folks deal with these types of challenges as they live out the final chapters of their personal life story. And, we all know those who are exceptions. We can be inspired by Gladys Burrill who at age 92 entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest female to compete in a marathon. The famous painter Grandma Moses didn't do her first work until she was 76 years old, she lived to be 101 years old. I don't have to just read about exceptions because we have them all around us. In our local called out assembly, (our Church), we have dozens of folks up in their 80's who still faithfully serve in a number of different ministries. At the end of the day it was and continues to be something that is in God's hands. I fill sort of 50 something this morning but having talked about all of this I think I will just trust God with it, and take my meds, of course!
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| Andrew Rancher McMillan, Paw Paw Mac |
The older I get it is the more I am thankful for the family I had growing up and the little village where we lived. It was not a happy go lucky free from all trouble type of life but on balance I feel very blessed. I know it's easy to wear rose colored glasses as one reminisces about the past. On the other hand, I know folks who grew up at the same time I did in the same place where I lived and they have nothing but bad recollections. Not me. Some could call my way of seeing it as through a Mayberry looking glass. I like that characterization and gladly own up to it. Do I know the bad stuff too? All too well my friend, all too well. However, you have to be from somewhere and the formative years of my life were surrounded by folks who cared about me and many who I could look up to. My grandfather, Paw Paw Mac, was as common and ordinary as they come. Unassuming. Yet, within our family circle we saw his true person in his faith in and walk with his heavenly Father. Unwavering faith. Uncompromising when it came to matters of faith and obedience. He was a giant in my life. He became the father figure in my life when I was a kid growing up and while I am already eight years past the time of his sojourn, (he went to his reward at age 70 in 1970), I can still see and hear him when I think about him. I still use his sayings. I still admire him and his faith walk. He was also a character and while he was mostly serious minded, he could laugh too. Not often but he could. He couldn't sing a lick, but, I can see him, holding the softback song book, swaying to and fro as the words of his favorite song filled the room, "Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand; But I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand." Having lost my dad in 1954, you can tell Paw Paw Mac was an important influence in my life. What's that? Is that why I sway to and fro singing in the choir? Good question. I'll get back to you on that one.
When my memory fails more than it already has, I do have over 3600 blogs to help remind me of my time here on the planet. My number one fan of my blogs was my mom. She became absent from the body and present with the Lord at age 93 back in 2017. She would faithfully read my blogs every day. Even when her eyesight was deteriorating she would get close to the screen so she could read what I had to say. She would let me know if I had written something she thought I should have kept quiet about. I miss her and so many others but I am blessed to feel like 50 something today. Now I have to Google what a 50 something person feels like and what they typically are capable of doing. Oh well, I think it best to enjoy the thought while thanking God for each day He gives. Right? I thought you would agree. Have a great, great day and every chance you get, pause and give God the glory. Amen.
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