Sexaginta and The Book of Numbers

Yesterday I had the experience of reaching the good young age of 60, although I am refusing to use the “S” word and am instead using the “F” word, i.e. “Fifty plus VAT!” I think I have earned it, but occasionally I still have to use the “S” word. In London we have a so-called “free 60+ Oyster card” which allows free travel on buses, undergrounds and trains. The catch is that it is not entirely “free”. We have to pay £35 per year but it will certainly save a lot of money for people who travel a lot, like myself. Yesterday was also my official retirement date and the paperwork involved with that is incredible and never-ending. Thankfully I only have to do that once and am looking forward to retirement. I believe I have earned it, working my fingers to the bone for so many years with little thanks or appreciation. I shall not be disappearing into oblivion (I hope) and will still remain active but in a very much reduced role.
 
So what is this fascination with age? There is a chapter in one of my favourite Eric Butterworth books “Life is for Living” entitled “My age is none of MY business.” I highly recommend that book. It is one of Rev Butterworth’s absolute bests!! That is quite a statement and it made me think about one thing in particular. Have you ever met a young child, or perhaps parents with a cute, friendly child, and might you have ever said to the child something like “hello, how old are you?” And the child might proudly reply, for example, “I am seven years old.” But have you ever thought of asking “how young are you?” Have you ever heard a child say something like “I am seven years young?” Why this fascination on “old”?
 
Eric Butterworth’s chapter he writes “The number of years we live is unimportant. The kind of years we live is all-important. Life does not, cannot grow old. We may insist that our strength does diminish and out abilities decline and that even our health becomes less stable with advancing years, and certainly we must admit that this is all too often our experience, but it is not God’s will.” 
 
Life is ongoing, never-ending. Yes, eventually we will all no longer be here in our current bodily forms. We shall continue the eternal journey into new realms and dimensions of living and discovery. In our prayers and meditations I invite you, whatever your age, to reflect and give thanks for what has been and gone before, and we rejoice and look forward to what is to come. Remember that my age is none of MY business and your age is none of YOUR business!
 
Prorsum et sursum!
 
Dr Gregory Porilo
Licensed Unity Teacher