the old man

Saturday afternoon was a perfect time to visit one of my favorite places: the Northern Neck.  In Tidewater Virginia the land gets its name from the water.  We live on the Peninsula (between the James and York Rivers).  Then there is the Middle Peninsula (between the York and Rappahannock).  But the Northern Neck lies between the Rappahannock and the Potomac.  So it's two rivers away..but only an hour or so of driving time.  It's the kind of place that oozes history and you can feel it as soon as you cross the two lane, two mile Norris bridge and land on the pine forest shore.  The Northern Neck is where George Washington (and his parents before him) were born and it retains a charm that comes from the mix of water, farms and villages blending.  I stopped at a local sandwich shop for lunch and, as I was eating, a family came in (two kids, a Mom, and an elderly gentleman).  I was fascinated to watch the old man negotiate his way from the car, to the sidewalk, through the door and to his seat.  He apparently suffers from severe arthritis, or hip degeneration...or possibly is a stroke victim.  It must have taken 10 minutes for him to negotiate the trip from car to seat, while his daughter assisted with the doors.  He looked to be at least 90 years old.  But his countenance was full of peace and a small smile set the tone for his expression.  As he waited patiently for his family to return with their sandwich orders I thought about his life and wondered about the story behind all the years that were wrapped within that feeble frame.  Every life is a book and his life-book is nearly complete.  He cannot rush or be rushed...life has become a painfully slow process for him and his joy comes from being around those who love him.  There are no more mountains to climb, dragons to slay, or fortunes to be made.  He lives in the reflecting pool of life and takes joy and contentment from the family who will carry on...and they find peace just being with him.  When it is that painful to move, you must learn to take your satisfaction more from being than from doing and you grow in contentment or in frustration.  It was wonderful to be near one who is satisfied, despite the pain...his cup is still full.  Yes the Northern Neck is a surprising place where the old joins the new like the Rappahannock joins the Chesapeake.

Job 42:¹⁶ Job lived 140 years after that, living to see four generations of his children and grandchildren. ¹⁷ Then he died, an old man who had lived a long, full life.