Hey Coach John

Tips To Aging With Grace

I consider myself blessed to have lived long enough to have graying hair.

I’ve been traversing through middle age for several years now and often find myself reflecting on the up’s and down’s thereof. Like it or not, we’re all getting older.

Several years ago an older gentleman shared with me his philosophy about aging. With a twinkle in his eye he said, “getting old is not too bad when you consider the alternative.” I agreed with him wholeheartedly!

So what have I learned as I work through the aging process?  Good question. After a little thought, here is a few of what I would call the treasures of aging. As I have aged………

1. I have become kinder to myself.

I’ve learned to become my own friend. Have you? I don’t chide myself quite as much as I used to, especially over things that really don’t matter. However, at the same time I know that I need to improve and continue to grow.

I’ve become kinder to myself.

2. I have obtained a greater freedom in life.

It doesn’t matter quite as much that I’m not the muscle man I once aspired to be; neither does it alarm me that my belly sticks out a little more than my trousers or my belt. 

I no longer feel compelled to fit in with the crowd or be suave and cool. I just want to be an example of an incarnational Jesus to the world.

I’ve obtained a greater freedom in life.

3. I have learned to appreciate many things in life that are the by-product of aging.

I consider myself blessed to have lived long enough to have graying hair. I’ve also accepted the fact that both the good and bad things of my life are forever etched into the ever deepening grooves on my face. 
 
Hopefully, most of them are put there by youthful laughter. Many have never laughed, and many have died before their hair could turn silver.

What a privilege to age!

4. I have become more positive.

As I age I find it easier to speak up without fear of rejection, to share both wisdom and experience. Aging well earns you the right to address life.
 
I’ve learned not to second guess myself quite as much and accept the fact that failing periodically does not make me a failure. I’ve come to believe that it’s part of the learning process.

I have become more positive.

Conclusion

Should the Lord allow, someday I’ll grow really old. I might become forgetful, or a bit naïve, but until that time, I’ve decided to enjoy the journey.

How are you aging? Are you struggling with it or aging wth grace?

Coach John

Steamy Truths of a Sexual Nature

Proverbs 5:1a; 3 NLT “My son, pay attention to my wisdom…The lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil.”

Are you ready for some steamy truths of a sexual nature?  Oh, I’m not talking about an article from Ann Landers, “GQ,” or the “Redbook.”  I’m referring to the writings of King Solomon.  Proverbs has a lot to say about sexual relationships. 

The king pulls no punches when it comes to sexual issues.  He’s very open, frank and often quite blunt – he gives us just what we need to safely navigate in today’s “sex crazed” generation.

Solomon’s writings deal implicitly with the following sexual issues.  1)  Sexual immorality.  2)  The personal price of infidelity.  3)  The joys of married life & love.  4)  The consequences of sexual immorality.  Though given centuries ago, the advice is still relative and valid.

Scattered throughout the book you’ll find a plethora of advice and admonition.  In the fifth chapter, Solomon gives us the clear signs of sexual temptation.  Notice verse three…”the lips of an immoral woman drip honey and her mouth is smoother than oil.”  The Hebrew word for lips is the word saw-faw (Strongs H 8193) and it is a direct reference to language.  The lips speak of speech, words and conversation.  Sexual temptation begins with sweetness of words.

Notice the writer compares the immoral woman’s words with the sweetness of honey.  In ancient Israel, honey was the sweetest substance known to man.  The idea is this; attraction to another woman is sweet & smooth – guard your conversation with a person of the opposite sex.

In verses nine through fourteen, Solomon covers the gamut of consequences for sexual immorality.  In verse nine he states; you will lose your honor among your peers and subject yourself to years of scorn and rejection.  In ten, he mentions the possible loss of wealth and money – verse eleven, the chance of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.  Not to mention regret and mental anguish – verse twelve.  Finally, he states that immorality subjects you to dishonor and disgrace before others –verse twelve.  In essence, it doesn’t pay!

No list having to do with sexual issues would be complete without addressing the joys of sexual intimacy within the context of marriage.  In verses fifteen through twenty, he challenges us to never exchange the lasting intimacy of marriage for the cheap thrill of an immoral affair.  The writer is clear when he says …“Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.  Rejoice in the wife of your youth.” Proverbs  5:18 NLT.  

Are King Solomon’s writings outdated?  I don’t think so!  Steamy and straight forth?  Yes!  Honest, and to the point?  Absolutely!  In light of these facts, it might be wise to forego the advice in Gentleman’s Quarterly or the Redbook and take firm hold of eternal wisdom.  What do you think?

Coach John