Weekly Thought Archives > Notes on Aging - Part One

Notes on Aging - Part One

Weekly Thought - November 3, 2015

Fred thought a lot about aging and humor, wanting to write books on each topic.  Nothing was published but his notes provide us with great insight.  This week we will dip into his collection of ideas accumulated eleven years before he died. 

Planning has begun for Lindsey Wilson College, Alice Lloyd College, Asbury University, and Palm Beach Atlantic University.  The year of 2016 is fully booked.  Please pray for those who will be on the teams, the school steering committees, and the BWF board which leads these efforts.  If you can, we would greatly appreciate your financial support.  We do not charge the schools for these outstanding events.  Each team member receives no honorarium, and provides transportation.  However, there are many costs associated with this effort.  We are totally dependent upon donations for our on-going ministry.

Notes on Aging - Part One

I'm for aging - slowly, if you please.  I asked an older friend which period of life he would have liked to live, he said, "As far into the future as possible."

I started aging Sept 1, 1915; on the back of my birth certificate is my death certificate.

Life divides into two groups: those who are aging, and those who are not: those who are aging are breathing.  I am convinced you can get older without getting old.

Make a list of helpful activities for older age: 1) act as glue for the family; 2) mentor by shifting from a power position to wisdom; 3) teach; 4) encourage; 5) stay in touch through exchange of clippings, letters, calls; 6) develop intercessory prayer; 7) maintain a right attitude - stay timely, appropriate, and participatory.

Make sure to understand a good philosophy will get you to the grave, but it takes a good theology to get you through the grave.

Strive for more of God and less of me.

Prepare for old age - start early: 1) create unique and meaningful relationships; 2) make sure to have good memories; 3) develop a network broader than occupation; 4) strengthen networking skills - know people who know people.

Weed out cynicism.  A cynic would ride through a sewer in a glass-bottomed boat!  Not a good way to spend old age.  Work to eradicate resentment, jealousy, fear, and paranoia.

Finish well - finish with a flourish.  Script your last chapter but leave your hands open to the Author.

This week think carefully about: 1) How well am I aging? 2) Where do I need to do more prep? 3) What aspects of my foundation are the strongest? weakest?

Words of Wisdom: "A good philosophy will get us to the grave but a good theology will see us through the grave."

Wisdom from the Word: "You must stand up in the presence of the aged, honor the presence of an elder, and fear your God. I am the Lord." (Leviticus 19:32 NET Bible)


>> The book "Breakfast with Fred" by Fred Smith, Sr. is an excellent gift that will last a lifetime. Buy it at Amazon by clicking "http://www.amazon.com/Breakfast-Fred-Sr-Smith/dp/0830744762/ref=pd_%0Abbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196780533&sr=8-1"

>> The book "Divine Confinement: Facing Seasons of Limitation" by Brenda A. Smith is also on available on Amazon by clicking "http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DHRYUWM"