Bad Back, Gimp Knee

Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of
old men is their gray hair.

Don’t forget the bad back. The bad back and gimpy knee are also hallmarks
of old age. Granted, this verse isn’t talking about hallmarks, but honor.

A few days ago I was giving a friend and colleague a hard time for coming in
late to work, (“Golf game go long?”) and he reported that he had actually
been at the doctor because he had slipped a disk in his back. “Are you OK?”
I ask. “Yea, I’m fine, but I am really mad. When did I get this fragile?
I’m not old, and I wasn’t even lifting very much.” I could relate. When I
last “tweaked” my back, I was lifting a stroller out of the trunk of my car.
I remember think, “WHAT?! YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! This is ridiculous,
I don’t even get a warning?” My first look at grey hair also caught me by
surprise. For some reason, I am expecting to age gracefully and gradually.
But it seems to be coming in jerks and twitches (and ouches).

However, there is a HUGE surge of gratification when someone younger says “I
don’t know what to do here, can I get some advice?” Who me? “Sure, bring
my walker over and we’ll take a walk. You can tell me all about it.”

I hope and pray I am worthy of the strong’s respect.