I was on my Saturday bike ride again this morning, enjoying the crisp air and the early sunlight filtering through the trees around me. I began to notice many bright splashes of color here and there on the trail and I stopped occasionally to take photos. All of this got me thinking. Many plants were putting on their most brilliant appearance at this point in the year when everything is waning or about to wane and succumb to the bite of frosty nights. It made me think about how youth compares to experience and age. It brought to mind people like Grandma Moses, who was painting beautiful pictures at age 100. I did a little research when I got home from my ride and found many more marvelous feats of elderly people who did not let their age become a barrier to achieving their goals- too many to list here.
"As you are now, so once was I, "As I am now, so you must be."-Origin unknown
I feel inspired by these folks who continued to strive to fulfill their dreams, even when others might have written them off as depleted and waiting for death. It makes me realize that it is never too late to reach for the longings within our hearts, to maneuver around the obstacles that might block our paths. We can learn so much from our elders who have countless experiences and skills to contribute, share, and teach. I hope I will never lose this spark, this desire to grow and reach out to those around me as I grow older. I hope my colors will shine as bright as those I saw today when I reach the autumn of my years.
Proverbs 20:29 (NIV)
