"When I'm 64!"

The old song by the Beatles projected ahead to the day when the young song writers (John Lennon and Paul McCartney) would turn 64 years old. They were looking ahead to life with their loved one, taking care of a house, weeding the garden, going on vacations, and saving for the future. But they knew that one day their hair would be thinning, grandchildren would be in the picture, and before they knew it, they would be 64. So, the question is asked, “Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?” as they express their hope that the one whom they love will stick with them through all the changes the years promised to bring. Yet, it seems, that to the young Lennon and McCartney 64 seemed a very long way off. 

Well, today I’m 64 and I can tell you it came a lot more quickly than I anticipated.  After all, it feels like it wasn’t that long ago that I graduated college, got my first job, went to seminary and began my life as a pastor. It feels like it wasn’t that long ago that I got married, had my first son, and began to raise a family. But here I am, now married 38 years, with three married children, and two grandsons. I’m now 64 years old and I truly don’t know where the time went—just that it went! 

Yes, I’m now 64 and that means another year of going around the sun…another year of fall, winter, spring, and summer…another 8,765.82 hours have passed! Today I’m 64 and that means I’m 64 years into this journey called life and that much closer to the end of my journey (sorry, I’m not trying to be depressing, just realistic!).

I know many of you can relate. Whatever your age, you have to agree that time does seem to fly. And the more time that has passed, the faster time seems to move. It’s no wonder that the Apostle Paul talks instructs us with these words: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16 – NIV) That is, since we don’t know how much time we actually have, we ought to make sure we are using wisely the time that is within our hands. If not, before you know it, the time will be gone and so will our opportunity to do the things we ought to have done with our lives.   

As with all birthdays, today is for me a day of reflection as I ask myself, have I used wisely the time that I have had—i.e., these past 64 years? And maybe more importantly, how will I use the time that is ahead? I think they’re good questions for each of us to ask ourselves, not just on our birthdays but each step of the way on this journey called life. After all, before you know it, we’re 64! 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris 

P.S. I’m glad that Kim says she still needs me and will feed me, even at 64!