52 Years Old, Really?

Just the other day, it seems, the face looking back at me in the mirror had smooth skin and now it’s more like a topographical map.

A couple of years ago, okay, more than a couple of years ago, I had more pepper than salt in my hair color. Now the only pepper I see is when I first step out of the shower before my hair dries silver.

I see more of my dad in my face than I do of myself and sometimes I wish I could go back but I can’t, won’t and plan to just keep growing older.

I would not trade the wisdom I have at 52 for anything in the world. I’m not smarter than I was ten years ago but wisdom is different than intelligence. Wisdom is the price one pays for more aches and pains after running or taking longer to get up off the floor after playing with the dog.

Wisdom is not great intelligence but the ability to see your lack-there-of and be okay with it. Wisdom is when your opinion is simply your opinion and you’d rather hear what other’s say than listen to the noise that comes from your own head.

Wisdom is a cousin of freedom. They go hand in hand. Wisdom is very, very expensive and most of us would never pay the price to get it if we understood the cost up front. I think that is why God grants us wisdom following a walk over coals or a trip to the furnace.

I’m one of the fortunate ones. I’m 52 years old and have won and failed equally. Turmoil still tempts me but fails to manipulate my soul the way it did when I was in my 30’s and 40’s.

Through loss, failure and cancer my wisdom has greatly expanded. My concern over what you say has dimmed replaced by a desire for you just to use your voice to say something compassionate.

I don’t mind losing arguments in fact I don’t like getting into arguments anymore where that used to be on my list of favorite sports to play.

I still get fired up over issues but the red-hot coals cool more quickly and I tire of those who can’t let something go.

So, as I step up to the mirror again this morning I see Roy Dancer looking back at me and wonder how I got here? I remember the guy I met at the swimming pool yesterday who told me he is 88 years old. He said you’ve got to fight to keep it going when you hit your 80’s.

So I will have a great day, head to the gym and the pool to do what I can to keep my mind and body from looking like the aftermath of a St. Helen’s eruption.

I will do some work, go to dinner with my wife, eat some cake and thank God that after what we’ve been through the last five years that I have 52 under my belt and look forward to many more.

Thanks to all of you for your birthday wishes, I honestly read through all of them.

5 Comments

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  Stacie Avery June 29, 2011 at 7:07 am

  You are a blessing to me. My tragedies and major life changes the last two years have been able to be put into perspective better through some of the wisdom you have shared. Thank you my friend, for you example, guidance, faith, etc. My God continue to bless you and your family. I know that I, and so many others, count on you for so much and many times forget that you too have a “normal” life with challenges, trials, change, etc. and we forget to life you up as you do us. I apologize for that selfishness and today, on your day, I will especially pray for Rick Dancer; for the wonderful man that God created and so many have had the opportunity to share a piece of his life. Happy Birthday my friend, 52 is still so young, which means you have so much time left to gain even more wisdom.

  Have a wonderful day.
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  Greg June 29, 2011 at 9:06 am

  I’m 54 and delight when one of our more wise and experienced calls me a baby.. “Ah.. you are just youngster” ! I love it… Happy birthday Rick
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  Albert June 29, 2011 at 9:31 am

  I lived thru Mt St Helens eruption. Rick Dancer…you are no St Helens. LOL Happy Bday!
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  Deanna Carr June 29, 2011 at 10:04 am

  I would not trade my hard earned wisdom either… not for anything. I feel most blessed to have ‘suffered’ through it. The knowledge gained is magical, and continues to ‘grow’ me each and every new day. With 10 years on you, I will say I’ve only just begun. Have an enchanting and beautiful birthday… you so deserve it!
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  Laura Woodward June 29, 2011 at 11:56 am

  You have been an inspiration in my life for a long time. Long before cancer. Thank you for the help you gave my son after the shooting, for caring about our family and being the man of God that you were meant to be. Treasure every day and every moment!