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25 October 2016

Getting Older is a Privilege – Please Don’t Take it Lightly

Written by Randy Hartman| Get Our Boomer Manifesto

This weekend I will attend my 40 year college reunion. The speed of the passing years rivals that of a freight train out of control. In my head I’m still the crazy college guy who acted like a campus idiot. My aging body, however, understands many years have come and gone. But I’m not complaining. Getting older is a privilege.

Decades ago, my little brother turned 18 and went to Florida for spring break. During that vacation, a drunk driver hit and killed him as he walked across a road. That incident taught me that getting older is a privilege. Life is precious.

And then there’s my college classmate who planned to attend our 40th college reunion this weekend. Four months ago he received word from the doctor he had cancer. Thirty days later I received the shocking news he had passed away.

Stop complaining about getting old. Accept the aches and pains and limitations. Growing older is a privilege. You are special. You are a survivor. You’ve made it to this point in the journey. Not everyone is fortunate like us.

This is why you must make the most of every moment. Grab life with both hands. Hug it to your chest with both arms. Maybe you ought to get this famous Dylan Thomas line tattooed on your arm: “Do not go gently into that good night.” And if you don’t like tattoos get it imprinted in your brain.

Don’t squander the privilege of living another day.

What are you going to do with today?

How will you take advantage of your privilege to live this day?

Tell me your plans for not going gently into that dark night.

Getting older is a privilege. Please don’t waste it.

Randy Hartman

Dr. Randall Hartman, D.Min., M.Div., is an author and speaker. After serving 30 years as a successful minister he became nationally trained to lead churches through transition. Dr. Hartman started his own website to share his writings with others.

6 Comments

  1. Jeanne Reply to Jeanne to Jeanne" aria-label=' Reply to Jeanne to Jeanne'> Reply to Jeanne
    October 25, 2016 at 6:40 am

    My friend, Jim Morrison of Cd’A, wrote a book called “To See Another Sunrise,” about his battle with stage 4 lung cancer, 14 years ago. He was given literally DAYS to live, but docs did surgery, and he endured five years of chemo. He says in his book that he kept putting a goal out in front of him ~ daughter’s wedding, son’s college graduation, a special duck-hunting trip, and grandbabies…he not only has survived but is a busy man, speaking at cancer events for the hospital. Goals, and trust in God, I would agree.

    • Terry Reply to Terry to Terry" aria-label=' Reply to Terry to Terry'> Reply to Terry
      October 27, 2016 at 7:32 pm

      What a great post. I sometimes
      take a lot for granted!

  2. Holly Reply to Holly to Holly" aria-label=' Reply to Holly to Holly'> Reply to Holly
    October 25, 2016 at 7:35 am

    Beautiful! Each day is indeed a gift, although we don’t always realize it. Thanks for the inspiration.

    • Randy Hartman Reply to Randy to Randy Hartman" aria-label=' Reply to Randy to Randy Hartman'> Reply to Randy
      October 25, 2016 at 8:40 am

      Like living close to majestic mountains and never enjoying the view, it’s easy to take life for granted. TX for your comment.

  3. Judy Reply to Judy to Judy" aria-label=' Reply to Judy to Judy'> Reply to Judy
    October 25, 2016 at 9:10 am

    I’m a seven year breast cancer survior. I’m thankful for each day and feel very blessed.

  4. Phil Stout Reply to Phil to Phil Stout" aria-label=' Reply to Phil to Phil Stout'> Reply to Phil
    October 28, 2016 at 1:44 am

    Thanks, Randy!

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