Climbing into my aging years, I’ve come to realize how isolated we can easily find ourselves. We are locked into a view of life from some portion of our past that may be hard to identify. Our framework is fixed but life keeps changing.
Many older folks tell me how hard it is to age, they lose most of their friends, confidants, and leaders. Spouses may leave way too soon, and the one remaining behind needs to make some new paths. Changes are swiftly occurring and it’s getting harder to adapt.
Think about it. That person who knows the same history reference as me, gone.
One person describes it as becoming invisible. No one relates to you. So, you must not matter to anyone, hence you are unseen. The one you could share your secrets with and know beyond all shadows of doubt, they were locked away and key disposed of, suddenly gone. Even that leader of your movement, church, political party, or nation. Gone.
The balladeers of songs that speak volumes to our times. Gone. I started to name them, but realize they are numerous. Entertainers you cherished. Authors that inspired. Poets. Free-thinkers.
Their collective voices, history, and advice –
now only a figment of remembered past.
As you age, who do you talk things over with, and talk through to a successful conclusion?
I’m fortunate that my bride is still my best friend. There are things we share, and there are things I will never load her down with. Some stories we handle together, and way too many I never want to see her handling the information I’m loaded with. (Thanks To Franklin G. Jones for that tidbit. Elder, I learned it well.)
Who?
So. Who do you talk it over with? Who’s there to talk it through?
Yes. When you’re young you need a Mentor or Coach. A pastoral voice that guides you through the minefield of life. Even your parents during those younger years. Someone who will listen, empathize, and perhaps be that strong shoulder needed during tough times.
But as you age, who is there?
Through my working life, I found good bosses and co-workers who were sane voices of reason. From such, you could mitigate the sinkholes and keep your feet on solid rock. Career choices. Next steps. Problem resolutions. Dealing with people… Sometimes the most tiring part of any life, but by far one of the most important things!
Spiritual voices abound if you would tie yourself to a world where you could hear them. In this modern world it is much easier.
Familial voices can be a mixed blessing! I’m blessed with two wonderful brothers and there are times we talk things through. From our own perspective we see life differently, and the voices each bring to the table are valuable. Mom and I talk often, and I hope to be there for her as she’s been there for me. No more talking to dad or my sister. Each of these conversations is special. Private. And none of your business…
Let me ask you again. Who do you talk it over with? Who’s there to talk it through?
Making Space For New Voices
Jesus poured his ministry into twelve disciples, and one was a traitor. We may never truly understand it, but you know there will always be someone who lets you down. Back-stabbers. Liars. Cheaters. They show up everywhere. Even that closest confidant you depend on.
The remaining eleven disciples became the collective voice to the new church, and then the Apostle Paul came on the scene. He challenged them, but at the same time walked shoulder to shoulder with them as they made room for the next generation of voices.
Who were they?
Mostly by Paul’s writings we know their names as Titus, Timothy, Oneshiporus, Tychicus, Epaphroditus, Onesimus, Priscila, and Aquila, Erastus, Luke… Just to name a few. What we have lost are their continuing voices to the next generation. The church is persecuted, in hiding, isolated, on the run, spreading across the globe. Who will pick up the thread of leadership and carry the torch forward?
How many times did these new ones crave the voice of the prior generation? Who was there to mentor them forward?
Here’s My Thought Today
Sometimes it’s tough. We grow up in a harsh world. There may not be enough time to get all we need from those voices we will someday miss, so, get what you can now. Lock it away. Recall it when you need it. Use them on that proverbial rainy day. At least the disciples wrote letters and we have their teachings.
Before he asked the question, Jesus knew the answer: “My God! My God! Why has thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) Jesus was not forsaken, he was prepared for that very day. The lamb was slain from before the foundation of the world. It was coming. The time was now. Ask all you want, but you know the answer. From his prayer in the Garden till now, every step was laid out in prophecy. He knew the challenge before him, and prayed it would pass, but nevertheless… “Not my will but thine be done.” (Matthew 26:39)
Maybe this is the key. To know who we are, where we are headed, and as prepared as we can be for the future challenges. There will be a time when the only thing we can do is pray by ourselves, for ourselves, and let the Holy Spirit guide us.
While You Can
Until the day comes that all those you could talk it out with and through are gone, then soak it up. But for all of us, the day will come when those other voices will no longer be available. It will be between you and God… and isn’t that the best voice you can talk it over and talk it out with?
Remember, like God thought about with Moses, if he is your friend, then he wants to talk it out and through with you. (Exodus 33:11) Again, remember. As God considered whether to share the news of the impending doom on Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:17-21), God then gave Abraham the negotiate.
Isn’t this the best voice we have to talk it over and through with? Amen!
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