I was listening to a song I’ve only recently seen as a self-observing tune. Tom T Hall wrote and recorded “Old Dogs, and Children, and Watermelon Wine” back in 1972. Yes, I was only 17 and probably paid no attention to the beauty of words and melody that gives me pause.
Don’t ask me why I’m enthralled. I could probably not describe the reason. Something about the simplicity of words and melody speaks to me these later years in life. Oh, and the message.
Maybe it’s the winding down years.
My hearing is fading fast, and simpler songs mean more.
Then I thought about the elderly gentleman he references and realized it could easily be an older person speaking to a younger man as he sat down, uninvited, and opened up his mind. Old dogs. Children. Watermelon wine.
Whatever the reason, I hear it as a voice talking to my future self from my past.
I hope my future self appreciates it.
What we do today
and how we respond to life
are the voices that will challenge us in the future.
How did Solomon put it?
Young people, enjoy your youth.
Be happy while you are still young.
Do what you want to do, and follow your heart’s desire.
But remember that God is going to judge you for whatever you do.
(Ecclesiastes 11:9 GNB)
To my younger self, “Thank you…” To my future self, be ready to slow down, open up your mind, and share with someone younger. That’s how you improve life—yours and theirs.
Thank you for reading.
Please share with others.
It helps me get my book written!
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