The Lone Ranger and Tonto

My friend Dan told me a joke yesterday about the Lone Ranger and Tonto. It was the one where the Lone Ranger was marveling at the beautiful night and the stars in the sky and how that tells him many things. He then asks Tonto what seeing the stars and the night sky tell him. Tonto replies, "It tells me someone stole our tent."

I then commented that it has been many years since I've seen an episode of the Lone Ranger TV show. Then Dan said he remembered listening to the Lone Ranger on the radio, before TV. That surprised me because I didn't think Dan was old enough to remember the golden age of radio, when radio was king. But Dan will be 70 this year and we started talking of the changes he has witnessed in the world. He said the first time he ever saw a TV was in Atlanta, Georgia. He clearly remembers WWII and working on his uncle's farm one summer in the early 50's, an experience which he says changed his life, increased his work ethic and raised his self-esteem and self confidence.

We spoke of times gone by, grateful some are gone but lamenting over others. We talked of faith and how he went to church as a boy. Dan is a true child of God's and solid in his faith. He has battled many illnesses but has always been steadfast in his relationship to Christ, never wavering. Today, Dan is doing well and ask that you continue to pray for him.

By the way, do you remember the first time you saw something like when Dan saw his first TV? For me it would have to be the first time I saw the ocean. I was very small but I will always remember how massive it seemed then and still does today.

I guess today's message is about growing older and the memories we carry with us everyday. Often our memories can be so strong they can cripple or paralyze us. But we must always remember that we are not home yet. Growing older does not mean living in the past. We must keep moving forward in true humility and trying to put others needs ahead of our own. You often hear how bitter and angry some get as they age, but that's not pleasing to the Lord. Our stop on the Earth is for just a moment. James 4:14 says we are but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. I believe this is only a dress rehearsal for the final show. As Steven Curtis Chapman sings, "We are not home yet." Praise the Lord. Have a blessed day.