Dan Van Ommen: Thankful for the adventure of this life
Even though the Christmas shopping season seems to begin as soon as the Halloween candy is handed out; there is every year, a holiday we know as Thanksgiving.
In 1621, the Plymouth Colonists and the Wampanoag Indians shared an August harvest feast that many acknowledge as the first Thanksgiving.
This celebration was a step in establishing a relationship between native Americans and the Colonists. This was not, what we might refer to as a "natural " friendship. All was not peaceful during those early days, but by reaching out, two groups of people, very different in background and customs, began to cooperate and even appreciate each other.
As I contemplate Thanksgiving 2023 and what I am particularly thankful for, I am especially grateful for a gift not always easy to develop for a senior citizen; the gift of having an opportunity to associate with, and hopefully build friendships with, younger people.
About a year ago, I moved from a residence where I had spent the past 15-plus years. During this time I was fortunate to have young neighbors occupying the apartment right next door. These were young women, young men, newly married, (and those hoping to soon be married); indeed a most interesting, active, fun-loving and often exciting group. One particular young man, Adam, became one of my closest friends, and hopefully will be until I leave this world.
Older folks like me need I believe, a purpose, a reason to hope; and most importantly, to still make a difference. It is often a challenge for seniors to develop a good relationship with the younger generation; initially it can be awkward. Both "sides" can be intimated. They don't always blend, relate and appreciate one another. With that said, allow me to share a few thoughts on seeking, maintaining, and yes, even being thankful for young people.
When I was faced, a year ago, with leaving my aforementioned residence; I had a decision to make. Where do I go? One of the "natural options" was for me to follow the lead of fellow seniors and move to a senior citizen residence facility. I checked out a few; most were nice, many were out of my price range; but the deciding factor for me was a word (or two) from my favorite niece, Pat. "Think it through," she said. "Make sure you're going to be content living with only old people." I thought, why wouldn't I be content living with old people? After all, I am one, and have been for years. After much discussion, contemplation and prayer, it dawned on me.
You see, I have spent most of my professional life living near, and coaching, teaching and supervising young people. From age 15, as a little league baseball coach in 1963, to tutoring high school students in 2023; working with young people has been my life. So my residency decision made sense to me. As of this writing, I am an occupant of a trendy place called The Lofts. I am the oldest resident by more than 50 years! Hardly a senior citizen facility. I feel like a college residence supervisor. As the "gospel" according to Simon and Garfunkel states: I'm "just kickin' down the cobblestones, looking for fun and feeling groovy."
In the New Testament book of Luke, Jesus told his disciples a parable about mixing the old and the new; (Luke 5:36-39). This a parable about integrating new and old ideas; however I believe it can be applied to the blending of young and older people.
The parable does not state that "the new is better;" in fact it states the opposite; "the old is better;"(verse 39). We might refer to it as "just developing better quality."
In those days, containers were not made of glass, but of animal skins, used as a sack for the storage of wine. As we read, the old wineskins had lost their elasticity. They could not hold the new wine, which was still in the process of fermentation. Therein lies the problem ... no room for expansion.
Like old wineskins, we older folk, often have a rough time mixing and "expanding." However, I realize I would have a less colorful life if were not for my interaction with the the younger set. Of course, I'm thankful for the many blessings I enjoy. My "old men's "coffee group is one example. There is a certain comfort in associating with friends who have many things in common. However, to remain upbeat and flexible, I claim the verse from Psalm 92:14: "They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green." The song I referenced earlier states: "Slow down, you're moving to fast. You've got to make the morning last, just kickin' down the cobblestones, looking for fun and feeling groovy."
My "kickin' down the cobblestones" may have slowed to more of a senior shuffle; but I'm thankful for young people who can show me how it's done. I am also thankful for the adventure of a new day. I am thankful that Lord who sustains me and is "finishing me," is the Lord of the dance of life and the Lord of the old and the new.
— Dan Van Ommen is a Zeeland resident and a member of the Reformed Church in America. Contact him at dan.vanommen@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Dan Van Ommen: Thankful for the adventure of this life
