Alright, from what I understand, Superman is pretty popular right now in the States. I’ve been able to see some stuff online but that’s it (no movie theater here in the jungle). So I guess I’ll have to wait a few months then try and smuggle the DVD in, here to Brazil, so I can see what all the hoopla is all about.
Speaking of Superman, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not as strong as I use to be. Not that I was ‘ever” superman or anything like that, but I use to be pretty strong back in the day. I turned 48 years old on the 10th of this month. (I guess you could say. “age is my kryptonite,” haha.) But even though I don’t feel like I’m 48, it’s been at least a decade (or more) since I felt like I needed to be the guy who tried to keep up with all the younger guys. You know what I’m talking about, right? You’ve seen that guy before haven’t you? It’s the guy who, even though he was kinda athletic back in high school or even in his early twenties, feels the need to try and play intramural sports, lift weights at the gym, run and do ‘whatever’ at the same level as he did when he was younger. Now there are exception (i.e., Randy Couture in the UFC, George Foreman in boxing, Nolan Ryan in baseball- who all competed and dominated up into their 40’s) but those guys are few and far between. And they were (and are) professionals. Most guys aren’t. So to all you guys who still feel the need to try and prove that ‘you still got it’... go ahead and give up the dream and except the fact that your getting older and give us all a break! lol!
I can remember a few years ago I was in the back yard with our oldest son, Michael. I think he was 17 at the time. He’s 23 now and has always been in great shape. We both love the UFC and he was even doing some training in MMA at the time and was actually pretty talented. He asked me to spar with him one day and I agreed. I outweighed him by at least 70 lbs and figured I could use my weight as an advantage. So I put on the headgear and gloves and away we went. The next thing I know, I’m getting punched in the face... repeatedly. And when I’d fire a punch back, there was nobody there. He was doing what they call “stick and move.” His hand speed was so fast to begin with that he’d hit me 2-3 times (in the face, which is awesome, not!) and then move to a different angle. And by the time I swung back all I was hitting was air. This went on for what seemed like an eternity (actually it was only about 2 minutes but when you’re getting your butt kicked it just seems like an eternity, haha). After I took my 100th shot to the head without being able to land a single punch back, I did what any big macho dad would do in that situation... I ripped the headgear and gloves off, threw them to the ground and marched back inside the house while I was yelling, “I quit!”
It was so frustrating. I’m the Dad. I’m older, I’m bigger... so why?! Getting older stinks: (
Anyway, I haven’t tried to keep up with the kids when it comes to playing soccer, going on hikes here in the mountains (my general rule is “if it involves running or a lot of walking- count me out”). It seems like I tend to injure myself every time I try to do something athletic these days anyways. I remember one time last year I pulled a muscle in my stomach while playing softball with the family. First of all I didn’t even realize I had muscles in my stomach. Secondly, all I was doing was swinging the bat!
But even though I’m older and my physical body is deteriorating I feel stronger than ever - spiritually, that is. And for that I’m thankful. And even though I can’t run fast any more(actually when I run now, it looks like I’m running in quicksand), even though I can’t throw as far as I use to and even though I can’t dunk a basketball anymore (actually now that I think of it, I never could do that... too white), I totally relate to Paul when he wrote in II Corinthians 4:16
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
I get that and I feel encouraged. And as he (Paul) went on to write in chapter 5 about how we groan, longing, waiting for the day when our earthly bodies are gone and we have heavenly bodies to put on... man, I desire that. I’m not saying that I’m gonna die next week because my body is so broken down or anything like that, no. What I am saying is that “I’m one day closer to being with Jesus and it feels great.” Getting older is something that I welcome with open arms and I actually embrace it : )
What about you? How do you feel about getting older? Are you fighting it? Is it something that you dread or are you totally cool with getting older? Just curious: )
Love Ya,
Jim
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