Tuesday, March 9, 2010
First Thoughts on My Fifty-eighth Birthday
The years between fifty and seventy are the hardest. You are always being asked to do things, and yet you are not decrepit enough to turn them down. - T.S. Eliot
It is not by muscle, speed or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment; in these qualities old age is usually not only not poorer, but is even richer. - Cicero
A wise professor of mine in divinity school, Paul L. Holmer, said in response to my perpetual questions whether he had read this new book or new article or new theory: "For every new book published, I go back and read two old ones." I didn't understand him at the time; I do now.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. - Psalm 90:12
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I like that T.S. Eliot quote and identify! The others are inspiring. You cannot be 58. I'm just 8 years older than you, which was quite a gap back then. I wished you a happy birthday on FB but didn't notice your age. You definitely reflect the Cicero observation.
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind but thank you. You're right; 8 years when you are 18 seems much different than when you're 58!
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