Dead or Alive or ?

If you’ve been to the Orlando International Airport (Gee, I wonder where you were going or coming back from) you no doubt noticed something very odd. No, I’m not referring to someone way too old, inappropriately outfitted trying to look like a mouse, Snow White, the Magic Kingdom version of a Dallas Cheerleader or just plain “Goofy.”

Two days ago we were returning from a conference (honest) when I was reminded from other non-Disney trips through Orlando of a large plexiglass cube located in the main atrium with a person in it, yes a real, alive one, who did not move. Today’s version was a guy asleep on a combo “bed” that included both duffel and sleeping bags and the clothes of someone portraying either a homeless person or a typical teenager.

Anyhow, since I’m someone with something called restless legs, I was personally impressed that the actor in the cube could stay so still. How long his shifts were I don’t know, but I hope he gets paid well, Maybe they should call it hush money.

Of course some travelers might look at him and think he’s dead. However, to quote the Princess Bride, he could have only been mostly dead and I’m pretty sure he was very much alive. But I got thinking about that airport attraction in larger terms. I wondered how many people are very much alive but in some sense might as well be dead.

I particularly think of many of those my age or at least approaching it who’ve quit making a difference. They've stopped serving others in their community, the church, even their family because of their increased years, a less rigorous body or declining aptitude. They've instead adopted the perspective that suggests, “Look I paid my dues, worked hard and helped out a lot, so I really don’t want to give anymore.”

Can I be blunt? If that’s you, you may be like the person in the cube. Alive, but looking like you’re dead. And while all of our minds and bodies have an expiration date, we’ll stay healthier the more we live, think and act as though we're still very much alive and of value.

Nowhere, including in the Bible, will you read or hear that getting older means you have less purpose and should simply quit being productive and sharing your time, resources and expertise with others.

2 Corinthians 4:16 says that we are outwardly “wasting away,” but inwardly renewed every day. You haven’t lost your ability to have impact.

Deuteronomy 32:7 says we’re to consider the generations of the past. “Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain it to you.” In our world of relative truth, how can our kids and grands learn and experience truth if we don’t model and teach it?

Job 12:12, “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”

Get the idea? No matter your age, you’re not dead yet. A comic actor and producer in the past was asked what he would like people to say as they walked past his casket. His immediate response was, “I think I saw him move.”

Well, of course, that won’t happen but it was a funny comment. A sadder result is when people still alive don’t move, but give up on the difference they can make to the very end or close to it depending upon their circumstances.

What can we continue to give, share and offer? Here are just a couple of options. Expertise. As the Job verse above suggests, we all have wisdom to give. Our experience and guidance can be gold to someone just learning a skill, beginning to serve in their community or just growing into adulthood.

Second, time. You can offer your time by being with someone lonely, taking a younger person to breakfast or coffee and letting them learn from you, driving someone else, helping out at church or assisting someone with tasks at home. In this busy world, many people just want a real human to talk to. How about us?

Spiritual insight. Teach a Bible study, start a Zoom chat (ok, ask your kids), assist a group or teacher at church, pray for individuals, just share truth with one other person, be part of a small group.

The sky’s the limit and God has all sorts of power, strength and direction to help you find what will bring you life at your age, no matter how old or young you happen to be.

That’s way better than being alive and looking dead. Or even mostly dead.