Whose Hands?

You may remember, if you’ve been with me from the beginning that the Pilgrim’s Chronicles was first published during the Reno Air Race Pylon School two years ago (June 2009).  It really started with a trip I took with my wife to Louisville, the previous December.  It was late afternoon as we drove North to Louisville and the light streaming through my driver’s side window show my hands in graphic detail, every wrinkle, crease, and scar.  I looked down at my hands and spoke even before thinking, “Whose hands are at the end of my arms!”  It was the most stark realizations of of age I’d ever had.  I was starring at the hands of my father.  Age and time slips up on us.  I can remember in the last years of my fathers life, just how much older he seemed, now I was looking at the hands of a man that was the same age.  My father died at age 66, I’m 65 and 5 months away from my 66th birthday.  When I look in the mirror I don’t see my father at 66, then again I’m not sure how much of what we want to see is, what we actually see?!

I’ve never been a person that worried about getting older, I’ve always known it was inevitable and have a peace with it.  I never looked like Clark Gable, or Cary Grant, (that sure shows my age!), so it’s not like  I went from being a hunk to hulk.  It sure would be good to have a few days feeling as good as I did at 30, but then I wouldn’t give up the wisdom that comes with age for that.  No, life is good, it really is!  I still enjoy the things tht matter most to me, I’m still mobile, alert, and on this side of the grass, what more could you ask for!  Just please keep me from being “Old and in the Way!”

Father, as I prepare to though my gear in the FJ to head to the airport, bless my team, bless my friends that are joining us in bangor tomorrow afternoon.  Watch over our travel, our vision, the weather , the leaves, guide out every step!  Please allow us to enjoy the joy that comes from fellowship with old and new friends.  Father please part the clouds some for Sherelene, Catherine, Cassidy and Cade as they travel in the opposite direction to Florida for Fall break.  I pray they will have a great and safe trip as well.  Thank you that you’ve given me almost 66 great years, I will stay here as long as you have need of me!   Amen