My high school graduating class is celebrating a class milestone. The ‘class of 70’ is turning 60. My life's journey has taken me away from my home town in Mississippi as I now have lived away longer than I lived there. I look forward to the return for several reasons. Growing up in Columbus in the 60’s, for me, was like Opie growing up in Mayberry. It seemed such an innocent time. I could walk the streets alone, as a child, and be safe. We knew our neighbors, their children and classmates (if not intimately well enough to wave or speak in passing and to look out for one another). Oh sure things were not perfect. There were injustices. Some have been defeated over the years; others remain present or have evolved into different issues over time. Evil and injustice has been present throughout history. However, for me, it seemed such a simple wonderful time and place to grow up. As I prepare to return my mind is stirred with many memories. At age 60 memory can be tricky. I think it was Mark Twain (if not he it sounds like something he would say) who said he had arrived at a place in life when he could remember things that never happened.
Celebrating 60 years of life should be a time to look back and learn from experiences and memories. I am first reminded that life is fragile. Psalm 144:4 tells us that, "Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow". There are classmates who will be absent because they did not live to celebrate 60 years of life. I remember Ricky, my best friend from 1st grade through High School. He had the greatest imagination, was as a very talented artist and one of the most gifted musicians I have known. I’m glad for the memories of all the creative things we did growing up and still miss hearing him play. I remember attending the funeral of Alan & Bill with most of my classmates. For most of us this was the first funeral we attended that was one of us, not a grandparent or older person. We often teased Arnold about riding a moped when many were driving cars to school. Most didn’t know the moped was because his seizures prevented him from obtaining a license to drive a car. In fact, many did not know of his struggle until a massive seizure took him away from us. I think of Dobert (most friends called Diane by her last name) calling me asking to ride home from college as we usually went home every Friday. I can’t remember why I would be delayed as I told her she could ride with me the next day. That was the last time we spoke as she drove alone in her own car. She never made it to Columbus but arrived in heaven that fateful weekend. There are others I and fellow classmates could name. Many reading this who are not classmates from Lee High’s class of ’70 will not know those names but all have similar memories.
What is the best way to handle such memories? I honor and cherish the memories of those with whom I was privileged to call a friend as my life was enhanced by them. It is good to look back and cherish memories. We are reminded that life is truly fleeting, fragile and precious. It is vital to make the most of each moment. We never know when our last words with someone will truly be the last words. Therefore our words should always be positive and pleasant. There is never a reason to harbor anger or ill will. We never know when or if we will see one another again in this life.
I look forward to sharing memories of 60 years of life with former high school classmates. I cherish the memories of friends. More than anything else I want to make the most of each day and each relationship. Randy Pausch, author of ‘The Last Lecture’, said, “We don’t beat the reaper by living longer. We beat the reaper by living well and living fully.” Colonel Jack Jacobs who was famous for being direct said, “I believe in getting the most out of life because I am going to be dead a long time.” While I like the sentiment of both of those quotes Jesus put it best in the text I used in the first sermon I preached over 30 years ago from John 10:10 when he said, “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” If I have learned and can share anything worthwhile over these 60 years, it is that life is indeed fragile, precious and fleeting. Therefore it is wise and best to follow the purpose of Jesus in life. We make the most of each day fulfilling His purpose for our lives and living for Him, forgiving and loving others as He forgives and loves us. Happy Birthday class of ’70!
