"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Apparently this includes getting old.
I was in Memphis last week. I stopped at a McDonald's on my way to a meeting to grab a cup of coffee and a Sausage Biscuit. The receipts reveal my secret. I have a penchant for both coffee and the McDonald's Sausage Biscuit. The latter is my traveling treat.
Opting out of the drive-thru, I ran in to place my order. When the woman behind the counter handed me my breakfast I thought she said, "Sausage Biscuit and 'SENIOR' coffee."
"Hmmm. That's strange. I didn't ask for a Senior Coffee."
When I climbed back into my rental, I looked at the receipt. Sure enough: "1 Snr Coffee."
Life passage here! I received a senior coffee without asking for it. I posted this momentous occasion to Instagram and Facebook. The world needed to know this, right?
My pride took a hit that morning, but my wallet was in a very good mood. I got a cup of coffee for .69 cents! How sweet is that? Then I got home and the sweetness turned just a little sour.
As I emptied receipts out of my wallet I noticed not one, but two receipts marked "1 Snr Coffee." Two receipts from two different days from two different Mickey D's. Was this a conspiracy?
I had lunch with two of our sons (31 and 25) while I was in Memphis. I shared with them that some days I get up and look in the mirror and say, "You're looking pretty good." On other days, "Dude, you are looking old!" Apparently, the staff at McDonald's caught me on "old days."
No matter. I am framing the receipts. They are going on my Inspiration Shelf, the ten-foot piece of blonde oak that rides over the west window of my office. It holds pictures of Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, a Gumby action figure, Detroit Tigers cap, jar of marbles, and a number of other items that have sentimental and inspirational value.
My pair of "1 Snr Coffee" receipts will serve as my visual reminder of the Psalmist's words, "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).
Life is short. The world is complex. I need wisdom. God gives it.
Watching the news last night I see escalating conflicts around the world and increasing loss of absolutes here at home. As I think about our church, I see new challenges to live as a vibrant people of God here in Boca Raton and our surrounding communities.
It was Job who said, "Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days" (Job 12:12 ESV). Knowing that and the value God places on wisdom (Proverbs 3:15 says, "nothing you desire can compare with her") I'll take "1 Snr Coffee" any day.
Anyone want to ride to McDonalds'?