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You’re almost old

Linda’s Lines
Linda Wegner

Strolling through a local shopping centre, I spied one of the cutest little boys I’ve seen (since my own two grew up, of course). He was occupied with trying on sun glasses but I noted that his mom was standing right beside him, so I commented, “Those look really good on you.” Nodding his head, he replied: “My hair is short now.” His hair, jet black and meticulously styled, had been cut and groomed shortly before our encounter. I complimented him, his mom grinned, and I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation.

It was then that the lad stuck out his hand and announced, “I’m ___ and I’m four years old.” How could I not respond? I stuck out my hand, shook his and replied: “I’m Linda and I’m 75 years old.” He suddenly became very silent and after a few meditative seconds, said to me, “You’re almost old.” That’s when both mom and I struggled to suppress our laughter while I acknowledged his wisdom. “You’re right,” I said to him. Then to myself I added, “Almost old, that’s the understatement of my new year!”

Almost speaks volumes in so many instances: almost finished cleaning up after supper; almost ready to send off this article; almost finished a good book... Those “almost” statements, denoting progress, speak of growth, of advancement, of improvement; they’re downright commendable, it’s the “altogether” that challenges me.

King Agrippa also wrestled with moving beyond almost to altogether. In conversation with the Apostle Paul, he said this:”…you almost persuade me to become a Christian.” (Acts 26:28 Amplified Bible). Sadly, the consequences of becoming a Christian and its consequences were major stumbling blocks for him.

Paul’s response? “I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me might become both almost and altogether such as I am….”

My “almost” areas? Yours?