I recently have felt that I had done all and seen all and here on out it would simply be the joy of knowing and helping but no more joy of Wonder. I just turned Fifty.
When I was youngest, I saw aging as something to which I would never come. A little older, as a golden time of memories and bliss. Then as I watched those close to me approach and pass through it, I observed how tough it can be. I concluded that life is not easy at any age. Except maybe 4 and 27. And maybe 50.
I observed that from a worldly perspective, aging can be depressing. At best, one may not have too many health, financial, family or other problems, but one thing is certain, one must be winding down, and there is always an element of sadness to that. And if no discoveries are new, what wonder?
The thrill of being 21 and for the first time in complete charge of yourself (what you do next – It's Up To You) driving down the road by the city lights and the stars, with your girl at your side and the thought of not knowing who might replace her, and having your whole life ahead of you is a very heady experience and carries a certain flavor.
A flavor I never expected to experience again.
Last night, as I drove home from Ligonier having completed a repair job, I started thinking about my Savior. I realized I was closer to meeting Him than I had been, time-wise. It was thrilling. I was driving past the city lights and the stars all over again. I felt no different than when I was 21. I saw aging in a whole new light – one in which that same flavor of wonder and thrill of beginning is bigger and better than before! I saw the completion of life as a triumph, not ignominity.
None of this could have been possible without the Gift and companionship of the Holy Ghost, though I think it helped, being in a sporty little car and good health, and returning late from a difficult job well done exactly the way I used to when I worked for Tepco Engineering Co. back in college.
I should add that I also felt the thrill of meeting my Savior, the time drawing closer, was not diminished by the possibility that it could take another 50 years or so – made no difference.