The Blessing of Seniority by James R. Coggins

As has often been said, old age is not for the faint of heart. It comes with many physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual challenges.

On the other hand, I have discovered that there are some upsides. Now, I am not really old. I am old, but not old enough to run for president. I am not really old, but I do qualify for the label “senior.” And seniority comes with perks. For one thing, the government sends me money just because I am old. For another, I get seniors’ discounts in restaurants, in movie theaters, in dentist offices, on public transit, and in a host of other places. And people explain things to me. Slowly. And loudly.

That is not all. I have found that age is a wonderful coverall for human failings.

If I do something really foolish, I am not stupid. I’m old.

If I do something bizarre or eccentric, I am not crazy. I’m old.

If I trip and fall or walk into something, I am not clumsy or awkward. I’m old.

If I don’t want to do something, I am not lazy. I’m old.

If I don’t want to listen to someone drone on and on, I am not being rude or hard of hearing. I’m old.

If I don’t want to give to someone or pay for something, I am not cheap. I’m old.

If I forget something, I don’t have a poor memory. I’m old.

I love being old because, like love (1 Peter 4:8), being old can cover over a multitude of sins.

Unknown's avatar

About jrcoggins

James R. Coggins is a professional writer and editor based in British Columbia, Canada. He wrote his first novel in high school, but, fortunately for his later reputation as a writer, it was never published. He briefly served as a Christian magazine editor (for just over 20 years). He has written everything from scholarly and encyclopedia articles to jokes in Reader’s Digest (the jokes paid better). His six and a half published books include four John Smyth murder mysteries and one other, stand-alone novel. In his spare time, he operates Mill Lake Books, a small publishing imprint. His website is www.coggins.ca
This entry was posted in James R. Coggins and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

4 Responses to The Blessing of Seniority by James R. Coggins

  1. I think we must be about the same age. <g>

    Like

  2. Dr. Priscilla Turner's avatar Dr. Priscilla Turner says:

    “I love being old because, like love (1 Peter 4:8), being old can cover over a multitude of sins.” That text actually means something more uncomforting, that love covers over a multitude of OTHER PEOPLE’S sins …

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Nancy J. Farrier's avatar Nancy J. Farrier says:

    This made me laugh. I think we are in the same age range, but then who knows. I’m too old to know. lol

    Like

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.